Summer might not technically be here yet if you’re just going off the calendar date, but it sure feels like it throughout the Sacramento Valley. Davis, Dixon, and Vacaville homeowners are already turning on their air conditioning to fight back against triple-digit heat.
Want to make sure that you get the most bang for your buck from your AC all summer long? Here are a few small maintenance tips you can do today to increase efficiency and prevent expensive cooling system breakdowns between your professional tune-ups!
1. Test Your AC!
The first time you turn on the air conditioning for the year, don’t just walk away and expect everything to be fine! Turn your unit on and pay attention to what happens! Is there cool air coming out of your vents? Is the AC fan not turning on? Is your air conditioning working downstairs but not upstairs? Is the outdoor compressor blowing out warm air like it should be? Make sure there isn’t anything out of the ordinary early on and you could save yourself lots of stress & money down the road.
2. Clear and Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit
The outdoor component of your AC, which contains the compressor, needs to be kept clean and clear of outdoor debris, branches, weeds and tall grass, and growing bushes or shrubs can damage your system. Take a walk outside and make sure your landscaping isn’t encroaching on your AC—you’ll get the most efficient and effective operation when your cooling system has ample unobstructed air flow.
3. Check for Strange Smells or Noises
Does your AC smell musty? Is it making buzzing, banging, rattling, or hissing sounds? A noisy or smelly air conditioning unit is one that isn’t working correctly, and if you let it go on for long enough, it might lead to an expensive air conditioning repair or system replacement.
4. Replace Your Air Filters
Your air filters help reduce air pollutants from circulating throughout your central ductwork, but they need to be changed regularly! When they collect too much dirt, dust, pollen, and other particulates, they can affect air flow through your HVAC system, leading to unnecessary wear and tear as well as inefficient operation and lower comfort. Air filters take 5 seconds to change (ok, maybe 10…), so there’s little excuse for not doing it!
5. Inspect Your AC Coolant Lines for Insulation
Your coolant lines are pipes that run between the indoor and outdoor components of your air conditioning. This piping should be insulated or wrapped to prevent wasted energy and help with efficient operation. But this insulation can get roughed up by weather or age. Does it need to be replaced? If you notice any areas the insulation has deteriorated, it’s time to call in the local pros.
Enroll in Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric‘s AC Maintenance Value Plan
There are some DIY maintenance steps any homeowner can take before calling for heating and air conditioning service from a professional, but if you just want peace of mind that an expert has looked over your HVAC systems and given it their stamp of approval, enrolling in our maintenance plan is a great place to start.
With Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric‘s AC maintenance value plan, you’ll get automatic tune-ups twice a year (once in the spring or summer for your cooling, and once in the fall or winter for your heating), discounts on repairs, and priority appointment scheduling. Take the hassle out of home comfort, and let Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric, the leading heating and air conditioning company in your area, handle the rest.
Sleep easy knowing your AC will keep you cool all summer long. Contact us today to schedule an AC tune-up.
