AC Summer Prep Tips From Your Local AC Repair Company

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Living in South Florida’s tropical heat and humidity makes an effective running AC system a home essential. Even though they work all year round, AC units work twice as hard in summer to keep indoor temperatures cool. Preparing your AC for summer can help you keep it running efficiently and avoid a potential AC repair.

AC Summer Prep Tips

The summer heat creates a big difference between the temperature outside and the desired temperature inside your home, placing extra workload on your AC. ​​​​​​While most of the internal components of an AC unit are designed to operate under extreme weather conditions, continual exposure to high temperatures can sometimes cause components to burn out.

Here are our top tips for preparing your AC system for summer:

Replace The Filters

Filters do exactly what their name implies – they filter dust and impurities out of the air that flows through your AC. Over time, the build-up of dirt can clog the filters and make it harder for your AC to run, affecting its efficiency and raising your energy bills. With summer approaching, replacing your AC filters is a simple way to help keep the cool air flowing in your home.

Inspect Refrigerant Lines

Refrigerant lines run between the outdoor AC unit and the indoor unit. Missing or broken insulation lowers your AC’s cooling efficiency and will affect its performance. Call an HVAC technician to inspect your refrigerant lines before summer.

Keep Your Outdoor Area Clear

Outdoor AC units need about 2 feet of clear space all around – make sure you clear away any garden debris, such as leaves or branches, and trim back bushes, shrubs, and trees. Maintaining a clear space also provides easy access for maintenance and repairs.

Clean Dirty Coils

Keeping the evaporator and condenser coils free from dirt and grime is important for an efficiently running AC. Dirty coils reduce the AC’s cooling ability and can lead to additional wear and tear on your AC unit. If you’re unsure where to find your AC’s coils, calling an HVAC technician to service your AC may be a good idea.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have an old thermostat, consider getting an upgrade. Installing a smart thermostat optimizes how your AC functions by adjusting to daily routines, weather conditions, and cooling needs. These adjustments can save on your energy consumption and lower the wear and tear on your unit, possibly reducing the need for AC repairs or premature AC replacement.

Examine The Condensate Drain

As your AC runs, it collects moisture from the air, as the air cools, it condenses into water which flows out through the condensate drain line. Clogged drain lines cause the water to pool in the drain pan until it overflows, and potentially causes damage to your property. Leaking water can cause rust, as well as encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Test Your AC’s Summer Settings

Let’s face it, AC units work harder in summer because of the air its cooling down is hotter, humidity is higher, and you might set the temperature lower than you would in the cooler months. Before summer kicks in, test your AC on the settings you usually use for the summer months, if you hear or smell anything unusual, it’s time to call in a technician for an AC tune up.

Time For An Upgrade?

If your AC is filling your home with unpleasant odors, pumping out uneven temperatures, or increasing your energy bill, it may be time for a replacement. A new AC unit can improve the quality of the air you breathe inside your home and lower energy consumption, saving you money on your monthly electric bill. If AC repairs are regularly on your to-do list, or your AC is older than 10 to 15 years, it may be time for an upgrade.

Consider Professional Summer AC Preparation

Scheduling an appointment with an HVAC technician to service your AC unit before summer hits is worth considering. Technicians will check the air filters, make sure the drain lines are clear, check and refill refrigerant levels if needed.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

An AC technician has the knowledge, experience, and tools to prepare your AC for the summer months. There are many benefits to getting a professional AC service, including:

• Noticing early signs of wear and tear.
• Easy access to parts if anything needs replacing.
• Their work is insured and licensed for your peace of mind.
• AC technicians know how to work safely around electrical appliances.
• They’ll clean your unit, preventing build-up that can lead to potential break downs.

Whether you book regular AC maintenance or a pre-summer tune-up, you can go into summer knowing you can beat the heat.