Seasonal Tips from an AC Repair Contractor: Prepping Your Unit for Summer

As the temperatures rise, your air conditioning system becomes your best friend. However, to ensure it performs optimally throughout the sweltering summer months, proper preparation is crucial. That’s where an AC repair contractor Germantown comes in. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about air conditioning systems, a certified HVAC contractor can guide you on how to prep your unit for the season ahead. In this blog post, we’ll share expert tips to help you get your AC ready for summer and avoid any costly breakdowns.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important components of your air conditioning system. It traps dirt, dust, and debris to ensure that only clean air circulates throughout your home. Over time, however, it can get clogged and reduce airflow, which puts unnecessary strain on the system.

As your AC repair contractor Germantown will tell you, cleaning or replacing the air filter at the start of each season is crucial. A clogged filter reduces efficiency, forcing your AC to work harder to cool your space. This leads to higher energy bills and potential long-term damage to the unit. For homes with pets or high dust levels, you may want to replace your filter more frequently.

Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system is responsible for expelling the heat from inside your home. If the area surrounding the unit is cluttered with leaves, dirt, or branches, it can restrict airflow and prevent your system from operating efficiently.

An AC repair contractor Germantown will recommend clearing at least two feet of space around the outdoor unit. This ensures proper ventilation and prevents the buildup of dirt and debris inside the unit. Additionally, check the fins on the unit to make sure they aren’t bent. If they are, gently straighten them with a fin comb.

Check and Clean the Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils are integral parts of your air conditioning system. Over time, both coils can accumulate dirt. This reduces their ability to absorb and expel heat, leading to decreased efficiency.

While cleaning the coils might sound like a job for a professional, a Certified HVAC Contractor can give you some guidance on how to clean them properly. Begin by turning off the power to your system and using a soft brush to gently remove any visible dirt. If the coils are heavily dirty, it’s best to call in a professional HVAC contractor who can do a deep cleaning. Regular coil cleaning helps maintain optimal efficiency and prevents costly repairs down the line.

Inspect and Maintain the Ductwork

Leaky or clogged ducts can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency, forcing the system to work harder to cool your home. This means higher energy consumption and increased costs.

Before the summer heat hits, it’s important to inspect your ductwork for any visible cracks, holes, or leaks. If you’re not comfortable inspecting the ducts yourself, a Certified HVAC Contractor can perform a professional inspection and seal any leaks they find. They may also recommend cleaning the ducts if there’s a noticeable buildup of dust or mold, which can negatively impact indoor air quality.

Check the Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the air. If the refrigerant level is too low, your system will struggle to cool your home, and the compressor could be damaged.

A Certified HVAC Contractor can check the refrigerant levels and top them off if necessary. If there is a refrigerant leak, it’s important to address the issue right away. Low refrigerant levels are not only a sign of an underlying issue, but they can also increase energy consumption and wear out your system faster.

Test the Thermostat

Your thermostat is the control center for your air conditioning system. If it’s not functioning properly, it could cause the unit to run inefficiently or fail to maintain the desired temperature.

Before the summer season begins, test your thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly. Set it to a cool temperature and verify that the system responds accordingly. If the temperature readings are inaccurate or the system doesn’t activate, it may be time to call in a professional AC repair contractor Germantown to inspect and calibrate the thermostat. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat could also be an option to help you save on cooling costs in the long run.

Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

While DIY maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your AC is ready for summer, there’s no substitute for a professional tune-up. A Certified HVAC Contractor can inspect your system, identify any potential issues, and perform necessary repairs before they become major problems.

During a tune-up, the contractor will check the refrigerant level, inspect the coils and ducts, clean the system, and ensure that all components are functioning properly. They will also calibrate the thermostat to ensure accurate readings. This proactive approach can help extend the lifespan of your system and prevent costly breakdowns during the hottest months of the year.

Consider Upgrading to a More Energy-Efficient Model

If your AC system is old and inefficient, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Newer systems use advanced technology to cool your home more efficiently, which can result in significant savings on your energy bills.

A Certified HVAC Contractor can help you evaluate your current system and recommend the best options for upgrading. While a new system can be a significant investment upfront, the savings in energy costs can make it worthwhile in the long run.

Check for Unusual Noises or Smells

If you notice any strange noises or smells coming from your air conditioning unit, don’t ignore them. Unusual sounds, such as grinding or squealing, could indicate a mechanical issue that requires professional attention. Foul odors, on the other hand, may signal mold or mildew growth in the ducts, which can affect indoor air quality.

If you hear or smell anything unusual, contact an AC repair contractor Germantown as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Keep Your Home’s Interior Cool

In addition to prepping your AC system, it’s important to ensure that your home is set up to keep cool air inside and prevent heat from entering. Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out the sun, use ceiling fans to circulate air, and seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts. These simple steps can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

Call to Action: AVS Heating and Air Conditioning

Preparing your AC system for the summer is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively when you need it most. By following these tips and scheduling regular maintenance with a trusted AC repair contractor Germantown, you can avoid costly breakdowns and keep your home comfortable all season long.

Contact AVS Heating and Air Conditioning today for a professional AC tune-up or repair, and let us help you stay cool all summer long.

By taking the necessary steps now, you can extend the life of your AC unit, improve its efficiency, and ensure that it runs smoothly when the summer heat arrives.