How to Get Your AC Ready for the Summer Season
As the summer season approaches, you have to make sure that your air conditioner is in its best shape. You won’t want your AC breaking down in the middle of a hot and humid day. In today’s post, Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. shares some tips on how to prepare your AC for summer.
Replace the Air Filters
Clean air filters can improve airflow in your HVAC system and help maintain efficiency, as well as reduce its workload. Air filters should be replaced every three months, but it can be as often as every month during seasons of heavy usage. The air filters on a central HVAC are designed to be user-replaceable and do not require an appointment with an AC technician, while the air filters on ductless air conditioners are typically cleaned instead of replaced. Do the same for the heating seasons — it may spare you from having to budget for a new furnace cost.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit needs airflow to efficiently vent the heat from the indoors. Debris, dirt and leaves can accumulate around the unit and obstruct airflow, which is why regularly cleaning the outdoor unit is important. Trapped dirt and grime on the aluminum cooling fins must be cleaned by a professional, as they are vulnerable to damage if the wrong cleaning implement is used.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Air conditioners should be inspected annually, before the start of the cooling season. A professional technician can identify potential problems and fix them before wear from continued use turns them into bigger problems. Regular inspections can also help prolong the life of your equipment and prevent unexpected breakdowns. A separate inspection must be done later in the year for your heat pump or high efficiency furnace.
Inspect the Ductwork
The air ducts distribute conditioned air throughout your home. Leaks and poor insulation can take away some of that air and increase the workload on your AC. If you can access the air ducts through the attic, check them for air leaks and insulation problems, and have an HVAC professional fix these leaks. Ideally, you should schedule ductwork cleaning and sealing every five years.
Call Countryside for Your Air Conditioning and Plumbing Needs
Whether you need an AC technician or emergency plumber, our team at Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. are ready to help. Give us a call at (715) 246-2660, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
