As the outside temperatures start to heat up, it’s likely you’re making your summer vacation plans. However, as a homeowner, you’ll need to complete many tasks to get your home ready for the summer season. When it comes to your home cooling system, it’s an absolute must to get through this checklist to ensure that you’ll have adequate air conditioning all summer long.
Schedule Professional Service
One of your first responsibilities is to schedule professional maintenance services. This should be scheduled in the springtime to give you adequate time to make any necessary repairs to your system before you need to be using it every day. Remember that most cooling system manufacturers require that your system be serviced by a licensed HVAC professional at least once a year to keep your remaining warranty coverage active.
Clean Up Around Your Outside Unit
As part of your air conditioning system, there will be an outdoor condenser unit. When it’s time to switch from wintertime heating to summertime cooling, you’ll want to remove the cover from your unit. If there is any debris that has made its way against your unit, be sure to remove it. Cut back any shrubbery that is within three feet of your unit to ensure that it can get adequate airflow.
Straighten Bent Fins
While you’re working on your outdoor condenser unit, you’ll want to assess the state of the metal fins on its exterior housing. These fins are made of a malleable metal that can bend whenever it comes into contact with another object, such as a flying baseball or falling walnut. Take the time to bend the fin back into its original position, as this will restore the unit to its optimal airflow capacity.
Check Your Vents
Another must-do on your summertime AC checklist is to check your ducting vents throughout your home. There should be clear space in front of each vent to ensure adequate airflow in or out. Any objects or furniture placed within three feet of the vent should be moved. Any restriction in airflow at the vent could potentially reduce the overall efficiency of your cooling system and make it much harder to cool down that specific room.
Order New Air Filters
Your HVAC system will have an air filter that’s used to remove unwanted airborne toxins, such as dust, pet dander, and pet hair. When these filters get dirty, they can restrict the airflow in your system. This leads to your cooling system working overtime to adequately cool down your home. Do yourself a favor now and order extra air filters. This way, when you check the filter every couple of weeks, you can easily replace any dirty filter without having to come back later.
Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans are a great way to complement your cooling system and help keep you and your family comfortable throughout the hot summer season. When the weather starts to get hot out, you want to turn your fans to spin in a counterclockwise direction. This forces air down onto you as you’re sitting in the room. That breeze can help to make it feel up to 10 degrees colder than the room actually is. The colder the room feels, the less you’re going to have to run your air conditioning system.
Program Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already invested in a smart thermostat, now is the time to do so. These thermostats allow you to easily program in different settings depending on the day and time. This means you can turn the thermostat up when you’re not home to save money on your energy bills. Smart thermostats will even monitor your energy usage and recommend smarter settings to reduce your energy consumption. Even better, you can control your thermostat from your smartphone anywhere you have internet connectivity.
Seal Up Air Leaks
As the seasons change, new air leaks can be exposed in your home. They’re most common around your doors and windows. However, receptacles and light switches on exterior walls can also let in unwanted hot air during the summer months. You want to take the time to run your hand around these problem areas and identify any air leaks that you may have. Seal up these gaps with weatherstripping, caulking, or foam inserts.
Expert AC Service
Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC provides expert air conditioning service for the entire O-Fallon, MO area. Our helpful technicians can also assist with all of your heating, heat pump, plumbing, ducting, indoor air quality, gas inspection, commercial, and ductless mini-split needs. Contact our experienced staff today to schedule your next service appointment or consultation.
