You don’t want to be caught off-guard when the temperature starts to rise in the summer. To maximize your comfort and savings, make sure your air conditioner is working properly and efficiently.
Here are eight tips on how to get your AC ready for summer:
1. Check or Replace the Air Filter
First, when getting your AC unit ready for summer, you should check the air filter. Depending on your system, you may need to use either a disposable filter or a permanent one.
Disposable filters are typically made of fragile materials like fiberglass, polyester, or pleated paper. It’s essential to replace these types of filters at least once every three months or so. During the summer, however, your air conditioner is working harder to catch more contaminants, meaning you may have to replace the disposable filter more often.
Permanent air filters, usually made of more durable materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic, should be thoroughly cleaned every three months to keep things working effectively. While they are referred to as “permanent air filters,†you should replace them every five years or so, or when they show signs of wear and tear.
You may need to clean or replace your air filters more frequently if you have pets in your home or are a smoker.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris
The next step in getting your air conditioner ready for summer is to examine the outside unit. The area around the unit should be clear and free of debris. Grass or plants shouldn’t be planted too close to the unit, as they can interfere with airflow. If grass, leaves, branches, snow, or other items block the area or touch your air conditioner, clear them away.
Also, to effectively get your outdoor AC unit ready for summer, it’s best to be proactive year-round. This means collecting leaves as they fall during autumn and clearing off snow during the winter.
If you wait until spring to clean around your AC unit, material that has been collected all year long may be stuck between different parts of the air conditioner, making it difficult to thoroughly clean it. A good rule of thumb is to have an open space of two feet surrounding your AC on each side to deter debris and other obstructions.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
One of the best ways to get the most out of your AC unit this summer and save on your energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. With newer thermostat technologies, you can customize your air conditioning schedule even when you aren’t home.
Depending on the weather and your schedule, the temperature inside your house can be adjusted to your needs. If you know you will not be home, you can schedule your unit to run at a higher temperature. Not only does this help you save money, but running a climate-controlled schedule can help prevent your air conditioner from working too hard during the summer.
4. Maximize Air Flow with Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans with your AC can help maintain a cool temperature in specific rooms around the house. If your home currently doesn’t have ceiling fans installed in most lived-in rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens, then consider installing some.
Pro Tip: Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate clockwise during the summer. This way, the air can flow downward, preventing excess heat from rising into the higher levels of your home and forcing your air conditioner to pick up the slack. When the weather begins to cool off again, you can reverse your ceiling fan to spin in the other direction.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Windows
An often-forgotten step when getting your AC unit ready for summer is taking care of your windows. When the sun peeks through your house’s windows, it can raise the indoor temperature significantly. Your air conditioner then has to kick into overdrive to combat the rise in temperature throughout the day.
While it may be nice to have some natural lighting in your home, it can lead to higher energy bills and a warmer house. Consider using curtains or blinds to block out the sun to keep your home cool during the summer and save money.
6. Clear Out Your Vents
Your AC unit can only work at its best if there are no obstructions to the airflow inside your home. That’s why it’s important to examine each vent and clear out any dust or debris.Â
Be sure to open the vents in the rooms where you want to use the AC. Opening and regularly cleaning your air vents allows for more even coverage of air conditioning throughout your home.
Talk to a professional if you notice any issues with your ductwork, such as dents or gaps. These types of problems can decrease your air conditioner’s efficiency and your home’s comfort.
7. Reduce Heat From Other Appliances
Getting your air conditioner ready for the summer doesn’t just involve the unit itself; it also involves other appliances in your home that emit heat.Â
Ensure that you are diligently using kitchen appliances, like the oven or stove. Leaving one of these appliances on high heat for longer than needed can increase the temperature in the kitchen and adjacent rooms. This then causes your AC to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption.
8. Have a Professional Service Your AC Unit
To ensure that your AC unit is ready for the summer heat, have it serviced by an HVAC professional. During routine air conditioning maintenance, the technician will:
- Clean the AC condenser and evaporator coils
- Check for refrigerant leaks or frozen coils
- Clean the condenser unit and fan belt
- Inspect the electrical system
- Lubricate moving parts
- Change dirty air filters
You should have your AC system serviced in the spring so that it’s ready for summer. This will help your system run more efficiently and consistently.
If you notice that your air conditioner is running into different problems, call a professional for AC repairs. These services will help with any serious problems that are hard to catch or randomly appear.
If you’ve tried all of these tips and your AC unit is still not sufficiently cooling your home, it may be time to invest in an upgraded system. An older unit may actually be costing you more money each year due to cooling loss and excess waste. Newer models of air conditioners are more energy efficient and offer more ways to lower your energy bill.
GAC Services provides air conditioning replacement services in Gaithersburg, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Carroll County, and Howard County, Maryland. We’ll inspect your home and help you find the right unit for your specific needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our air conditioning services and how you can get your AC unit ready for the summer!
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