With scorching Texas temperatures and humidity not far ahead, it’s essential to make sure that your air conditioning system is ready to take the heat. Use the following tips to make sure your AC can keep up with summertime demands.
1. Stock up on filters.
Clogged air filters are a common culprit behind a multitude of AC issues, including systems that overheat or send out warm air instead of cold air. You’ll need to replace your air filters more frequently during summer due to how much you’ll be using your AC. That’s why we recommend keeping extra filters on hand.
Keep in mind: if you’re hesitant about going out in public to buy filters due to COVID-19 concerns, plenty of online retailers sell them as well. Some even offer a convenient “subscribe and save” option.
2. Give your condenser room to breathe.
The condenser is your air conditioning system’s outdoor unit. When these units get overcrowded, they can overheat and operate less efficiently. Make sure no weeds or tall grasses are growing up against the condenser. If you’re planning on planting some bushes or putting up a fence to hide the unit, give it at least two feet of horizontal breathing room as well as 6 feet of vertical breathing room.
3. Switch your ceiling fans to turn in a counterclockwise direction.
Using ceiling fans will help your home feel more comfortable and will reduce your reliance on your AC system. If you’ve set up your ceiling fans to turn clockwise for winter, reverse them so that they’ll rotate counterclockwise. This will allow your fans to produce a wind chill effect and make your rooms feel about 8 degrees cooler.
4. Get your system professionally serviced.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that “Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.” In other words, without maintenance, your AC system will use more and more energy while performing worse and worse. As a result, it’s going to cost you more money to operate a less effective system.
Apart from keeping your system running at peak efficiency, getting your AC serviced also reduces the risk that the equipment will break down when you need it most. While working on the system, the technician will be able to spot potential problems and point them out to you. Trust us--it’s much better to discover an issue with your AC in spring than during a summer heatwave.
To schedule your next AC service in Dallas, TX, give Rescue Air and Plumbing a call at (972) 201-3253 or use our online form. Our family business proudly serves Richardson, Plano, Garland, Lennox, and surrounding North Texas communities.