With its warm weather and time spent outdoors, summer is one of the best times of the year. But if an a/c unit dies unexpectedly, this time of year can easily go from being fun to extremely uncomfortable. The best way to ensure an a/c unit doesn’t go out during the peak heat days of summer is to take excellent care of it year-round. Below are some tips to help keep your a/c unit healthy, so you don’t have to be without it this summer.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Just as a car needs a regular tune-up, so does an air conditioning unit. Therefore, the best thing you can do for your unit is to get regular maintenance service once every season.
Most heating and cooling companies run specials before the first heat wave in the spring. This can be an excellent time to schedule a check-up for your a/c unit so you can solve any problems before the warm season.
2. Check the Area Surrounding Your Unit
Most a/c units are outdoors, and items like plants, trash, and even grass can block airflow to your a/c, preventing it from working properly.
Take a few minutes every couple of weeks to check the area around your a/c unit, removing any plants that may have overgrown or items that may have ended up in the area.
3. Clean and Change Filters
It can be easy to forget about your air filter because you only need to change it a couple of times a year, depending on the type you use. But cleaning and replacing air filters are essential to the health of your a/c.
For best results, you will want to change your filter once a year or every six months for a disposable filter. Those using reusable filters should clean them once a year and replace them every few years.
4. Don’t Leave Windows and Doors Open Frequently
When the weather isn’t at its hottest in the morning, it can be tempting to prop open a window for a few hours. But unfortunately, opening doors and windows do not benefit your a/c unit even while it is cool.
An a/c unit measures the air temperature and turns it on to match your specific settings. When windows are opened, this can cause the temperature in your home to change, and your a/c unit may have to turn on more frequently and work harder to catch up.
5. Don’t Turn the Unit Off
While it may seem odd, turning your unit completely off while you head to work for the day is worse for it than letting it run while you are away.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should keep it cool all day long when no one is home, but instead of turning the unit off, turn it up a few degrees. For example, we recommend keeping your thermostat at 78°F when you are home, then turning it up to 83° when you head to work.
This allows your unit to rest without the stress of turning it off and on each day. Plus, it won’t take as long to return to a comfortable temperature when you return home.
Ready to Maintain Your A/C Unit’s Health?
Whether or not you’ve completed all the items on this list, Stephen’s Plumbing is here to help you keep your a/c unit healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment today to receive a free estimate and get your a/c on the track to better health.