Want your AC to run smoothly all summer long?
The worst thing that any homeowner can experience is their cooling system failing them in the middle of a heat wave. It’s always at the most inconvenient times.
But here’s the good news:
Most summer breakdowns are 100% preventable.
It takes just a few preventative measures to keep your home cool, save money on energy bills and prevent costly service calls. Best of all? You don’t need to be an HVAC whiz.
Here’s how to do it…
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Why Preventive AC Care Actually Matters
- 7x Simple Steps To Keep Your Cooling System Running
- When To Call In The Pros
Why Preventive AC Care Actually Matters
Cooling costs eat up a huge chunk of every home’s energy bill during summer.
Industry research tells us that around 12% of the average household’s energy budget is dedicated to air conditioning. That is a lot of hard earned money we are literally throwing out with cold air. But what happens when your system is running improperly?
But here’s the kicker…
Just 42% of homeowners actually call a pro to perform routine maintenance on their AC. Neglecting service causes breakdowns, high bills, and drastically shorter equipment life. It’s the leading cause of early cooling system failure.
Truth be told… efficient cooling begins with a properly maintained system. An AC that’s well maintained not only uses less energy, but it will cool your home quicker and have a longer lifespan than a unit that isn’t maintained throughout the year. Changing your filter regularly can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.
And of course, what about when things go wrong? Having a reliable provider you can count on for emergency air conditioning services can be the difference between enduring one hot afternoon and three days of miserable sweating. Prevent most of these emergencies altogether with just a little preparedness.
Now let’s get into the good stuff…
7x Simple Steps To Keep Your Cooling System Running
Follow these steps for preventative maintenance that’ll have the greatest impact on your air conditioner this summer.
Go through them. Select what you haven’t completed and start working.
Change The Air Filter Every Month
This is the easiest (and most overlooked) step of them all.
When you have a dirty air filter your AC has to work exponentially harder. When it works harder:
- More energy used
- Higher power bills
- More wear on important parts
- Poor air quality inside your home
Just changing a dirty filter can improve efficiency 5-15%. Look at your filter every month in the summer. If it’s grey and dusty change it out. It takes 2 minutes and costs a few dollars — and it’s the single greatest thing you can do.
Clean The Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor unit does the heavy lifting to release heat from your home.
Except it can’t do its job if it’s covered in dirt, leaves and grass clippings. So what should you do?
- Turn the power off at the breaker
- Rinse the fins gently with a garden hose
- Clear 2 feet of space around the unit
- Trim back any bushes or plants nearby
A clean condenser operates at cooler temperatures therefore it uses less energy. Period. Do this at the beginning of summer and once again halfway through.
Schedule A Professional Tune-Up Every Spring
Think of this like a yearly check-up for your AC.
A technician will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, tighten electrical connections and catch minor problems before they lead up to major costly problems. Schedule your service in the springtime when contractors become very busy during summer.
Bonus: ACs with regular professional maintenance last 40% longer than those that get ignored.
Seal Up Leaky Air Ducts
Here’s a shocker…
Did you know that about 20-30% of the air moving through your ducts is lost through leaks and holes. That’s conditioned air seeping into your attic or crawl space instead of your living room.
Sealing your ducts with mastic sealant or metal tape can cut that waste by half. Seal exposed ducts yourself if they’re in your basement, attic or garage. Hire a professional if the ducts are inaccessible.
Tip: Never use standard duct tape. It won’t stand the test of time and will degrade within a year or two.
Install A Smart Thermostat
One of the greatest energy efficient upgrades when it comes to cooling your home is a smart thermostat.
Why? Because it:
- Learns your schedule
- Cools your home only when needed
- Lets you tweak the temp from your phone
- Alerts you when something looks off
Changing just this one little setting can save homeowners about $100 annually on energy costs. That’s hard-earned money back in your pocket each summer — and the thermostat will pay for itself in approximately one year.
Keep The Vents Clear
This one is dead simple.
Inspect each supply and return vent throughout your house. Push aside furniture, rugs, and curtains that are covering vents. Obstructed vents cause your system to work harder than necessary.
Open interior doors where possible. This allows air to flow through your house evenly and minimizes stress on the entire system.
Give Your AC A Break
Running your AC at freezing temps around the clock wears it out fast.
Adjust your thermostat a few degrees warmer if you are leaving the house. Ceiling fans can also distribute cooler air throughout your home. Close your blinds when the sun is at its hottest.
Little tweaks that decrease stress on your system and save big dollars on summer expenses. Your AC will reward you by operating years longer.
When To Call In The Pros
Even with the best preventive care, some issues need a professional.
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Warm air blowing from your vents
- Weird noises like grinding or squealing
- Water leaking around the indoor unit
- A big jump in your energy bill
- The system won’t turn on (or won’t turn off)
If you see any of these, take action. Minor issues become major expenses when left alone. A simple service call can save you thousands instead of a full replacement later.
The Bottom Line
Preventive care is the best insurance policy for your cooling system.
By following these steps, homeowners can expect:
- Lower bills — energy-efficient cooling all summer long
- Fewer breakdowns — no more sweating out a heatwave
- Longer system life — more years from a big investment
Let’s face it — most people don’t think about their AC until something goes wrong. Don’t wait until summer to become “that person.” Take an hour this weekend and check the filter, clean the outside unit, and schedule that spring tune-up.
You and your wallet will thank yourself later when it’s 100 degrees outside and everyone else is in emergency repair mode.
