You can ensure that your AC is ready for summer by checking out the unit itself and ensuring that your thermostat settings are correct. During the course of your early-season inspection, make note of anything that seems out of the ordinary and give our team a call for air conditioning maintenance in Corona, CA if needed.
How do you keep your air conditioner healthy for summer?
- Change the air filter every 1–3 months (more often if you have pets or kids).
- Clear the condensate drain with a cup of vinegar monthly to prevent clogs and mold.
- Remove debris from the outdoor unit so heat can escape efficiently.
- Set your thermostat to 78°F and use a smart thermostat to save energy and reduce strain.
Keep reading to learn more about how to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot summer season ahead. Taking these steps now will mean that your AC works the best it can all season long. Also remember to keep up with routine AC maintenance each month so there are no hiccups in cooling operation or sudden breakdowns.
Step 1: Replace Your AC Air Filter
When you purchase an air filter for your AC unit, the packaging gives you an estimate of how long the air filter will last before needing to be replaced. Usually the time period is somewhere between one and three months. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and it can vary based on your home’s indoor air quality.
For example, if you have children and pets you may need to change out your air filter more frequently. Changing the air filter out before it gets completely full is the best way to ensure that your air conditioner has adequate airflow coming into the system.
Step 2: Inspect for Potential AC Leaks
Your next step is to clean out the condensate drain line with half a cup of vinegar each month. This helps to keep mold growth at bay so that clogs don’t develop in the line. When clogs do develop, the water backs up and spills out into your home, leading to water damage and even higher than normal humidity levels. Keep in mind that you probably want to clean out the condensate drain line for your air conditioner even during the off-season for the best results.
Step 3: Clear Debris from the AC Unit
Your next stop is the outdoor unit. Keeping the air filter clean is great for air flow into the unit, but you also want to maintain strong airflow leading away from the unit. When your air conditioner completes a cooling cycle, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant line channels outside as a way of keeping your home cool. If the outdoor unit is clogged with dirt and debris, heat cannot escape as easily. This can lead to your air conditioner having to work harder to keep your home cool against heat being trapped inside the system. Clearing debris and prepping your outdoor unit is an essential part of summer readiness.
Step 4: Ensure Thermostat is Set Correctly
One of the last steps you can take is monitoring thermostat settings. The US Department of Energy offers a recommendation of setting your thermostat to 78° for cooling. When you set your thermostat any lower than that, your energy bills can go up quickly. Although you may be tempted to set your thermostat closer to 71° or 72° during the summer months, we encourage you to set it a little higher—even if you meet in the middle.
Although it can take some time to adjust if you are used to a cooler indoor air temperature, you stand to save a lot of money on your monthly energy costs and also lighten the load on your unit so it does not have to strain during cooling cycles. Ideally, you want to have a smart thermostat that offers recommendations for settings and connects to Wi-Fi so that you can make additional adjustments that can improve energy efficiency even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the key steps in the “Your Summer Checklist for a Healthy Air Conditioner” article?
Answer: The article advises replacing your AC’s air filter every 1–3 months, clearing debris from the outdoor unit, cleaning the condensate drain line monthly with vinegar, and ensuring your thermostat is set around 78 °F to balance comfort and energy savings.
Question: Why is it important to clean the condensate drain line regularly?
Answer: Regular cleaning with vinegar helps prevent mold buildup and clogs in the drain line. Clogs can cause water to back up inside your home and increase humidity, so keeping the line clear is essential.
Question: How does clearing debris from the outdoor unit help my AC’s performance?
Answer: Removing dirt, leaves, and other debris from the outdoor condenser unit ensures proper airflow. This helps the system release heat efficiently, reducing strain and boosting cooling performance.
Question: What thermostat setting is recommended, and why?
Answer: The article recommends setting your thermostat to about 78 °F. This temperature provides comfortable cooling while helping to lower energy costs and reduce the workload on your AC.
Question: How often should I maintain these tasks?
Answer: The checklist should be carried out early in the season to prepare your system. Maintenance tasks like filter replacement and drain line cleaning should continue monthly to avoid performance issues or breakdowns.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority. Contact the Hush Air team today to prioritize your HVAC services in Riverside, CA.