Whether it’s 4th of July weekend or you plan on taking time off after Independence Day, July is an important time for air conditioning maintenance. A cool home provides relief from outdoor heat, so preventing a breakdown is in your best interest. July is hot for most parts of the U.S. You don’t want to lose your A/C during a summer heat wave, when hosting guests in your home, or in the middle of the night.
Maintenance helps avoid these circumstances. It also helps keep indoor air clean, improve energy consumption and performance, and can save money on your energy bill. Here are a few tips to help you as a homeowner keep your HVAC system working through the summer, so your family and guests stay comfortable:
Check Your Air Filters
Increased usage means the air filter may need to be replaced sooner than usual (sometimes in as little as a month). Changing it is one of the simplest A/C tasks. With a new filter, the unit may use less electricity, improving its efficiency—all after a few minutes’ work.
Clean HVAC Vents
Check each register and grille for any blockages. If a vent is blocked, it will restrict airflow, which can result in overheating and other issues in the cooling system. Clear dust that has collected and open any vent louvers that are closed. If any furniture or carpets are blocking vents, move them away, or avoid placing anything there in the first place, to improve airflow. Contamination deep in the system can affect performance and indoor air quality, so if performance issues or respiratory symptoms persist, or it has been a while, consider having a professional duct cleaning.
Inspect Your Outside AC Unit
Vegetation, grass clippings, leaves, and other types of debris can affect how your outdoor unit performs. Remove anything that has accumulated on the unit and avoid storing outdoor furniture too close to it. If the A/C isn’t working, first check that any power switches aren’t in the off position. Sometimes the power is switched off by accident. If you have an older unit with performance issues or that requires frequent repairs, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient product such as an Energy Star rated air conditioner.
Program Your Thermostat
The thermostat controls your entire HVAC system. It’s important that any thermostats connected to it are turned on. Also, set the fan to AUTO; if you keep the fan setting at ON, it will run continuously even if the A/C isn’t cycling, using more power than necessary. And, if your home isn’t at the right temperature, check the thermostat’s batteries and replace them if they’re old or dead.
Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan circulates air, which helps reduce the demand on your air conditioner. The A/C can therefore cool your home with less energy. You’ll also get a nice, gentle breeze as warm air rises, causing cooler air to replace it below. An affordable alternative, floor fans can do a good job at keeping air moving at floor level. With any fan, you may experience the same comfortable temperature even if the A/C isn’t set as low.
Contact The AC Hero
The AC Hero is open for HVAC, plumbing, and emergency repair services during the coronavirus pandemic. Our commercial and residential air conditioning contractor can help maintain your equipment and provide repairs when necessary, saving you money and hassles. We are committed to the safety and well-being of Dallas, TX, homeowners. Contact us at 817-557-7586 for troubleshooting, repairs, or maintenance so we can make sure your family stays cool this July.
