Summer may feel like it’s still a few months away. But before you blink, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s wise to be ready for the additional usage before temperatures heat up.
Donelson Air Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve made our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are many other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every piece. Our Experts handle this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We suggest:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of free room on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to give the same level of comfort. In extreme cases, it could stop running altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so we like to minimize the need for repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner typically cools more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a service visit, our technicians check filters and install new ones if necessary. Replacing the filter is speedy and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How often you need to install a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter needs to be replaced, remove it, and tilt it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other contaminants from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Disregarding it will lower your residence’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a clogged filter might even damage your system or cause it to stop working. Often changing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is the perfect time to check other critical pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are getting low, get new ones.
For more control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make using less energy less complicated. And a few models can even alert you if there’s a problem with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they still have juice gives peace of mind and an added layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the amount of outside heat seeping into your home. Using quality window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from influencing indoor temperatures.
Here are a few other approaches to keep your residence cold without lowering the thermostat:
- Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents unobstructed to ensure adequate airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Donelson Air Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner cool better this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Potentially lower cooling bills.
- Possibly extending your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Donelson Air Service Experts right away! Contact us at 615-953-9885 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.