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.
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 maintenance each month so there are no hiccups in cooling operation or sudden breakdowns.
Step One: Change the 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 Two: Prevent Water 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 Three: Clean the Outdoor 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.
Step Four: Check the Thermostat
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.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority. Contact the Hush Air team today to prioritize your HVAC services in Riverside, CA.