4 Tips to Prepare for Air Conditioning Season

Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you realize, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s beneficial to be ready for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb. 

Parker Pearce Service Experts and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional skill goes a long way, but there are many other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top ways you can prep for air conditioning season. 

1. Clean Your Air Conditioner

Don’t fret, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts do this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment. 

But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We advise: 

• Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner. 
• Keeping surrounding grass and plants trimmed back. 
• Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open room on all sides around your air conditioner. 

If your air conditioner’s fins get full of dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to deliver the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it may stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair. 

Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so we want to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner usually runs more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer. 

2. Put in a New Air Filter

Regularly replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our specialists examine filters and put in new ones if needed. Putting in a new filter is fast and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever! 

How frequently you need to get a new filter depends on: 

• The kind of filter you use. 
• If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems. 

• If you have pets. 

Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter should be replaced, take it out, and hold it up to the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters trap dust, pollen and other pollutants from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Neglecting it will impact your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency. 

In some instances a dirty filter could even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced. 

If someone in your family has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms. 

3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

Now is a great time to check other important parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems. 

If you use a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s working like it should. If the batteries are getting low, replace them. 

For added control and convenience, think about upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make using less energy simpler. And select models can even tell you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing. 

Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good gives peace of mind and an added layer of security. 

4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs

One of the wisest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of exterior heat seeping into your house. Using good window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting interior temperatures. 

Here are a couple other methods to keep your house cold without lowering the thermostat: 

• Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Use your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower. 

• Keep air vents clean to ensure proper airflow. 
• Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows. 

Rely on Parker Pearce Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our guide will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the wisest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service entail: 

• Stress-free cooling. 

• Likely reduced cooling costs. 
• Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life span. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Get in touch with the heating and cooling Experts at Parker Pearce Service Experts now! Reach us at 301-476-4577 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.