After you make your way through a long and cold Boston winter, you’re looking forward to warmer temperatures moving into the area. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself firing up your AC with hopes of it keeping you and your home cool over the months to come. If you have central air conditioning, it’s imperative to prepare it to perform at peak efficiency all summer long. Here are some of the steps you can take:
- Change Your Air Filter
- Generally speaking, you should change your HVAC system’s air filter every 90 days.[i] And yes, you need to do this even when your furnace isn’t running.
- Get into the habit of marking down when you last changed your filter. This way, you know when it’s due again, ensuring that you never forget.
- A dirty air filter will bog down your system, while also making it more difficult to push cool air to every room in your home. And when your AC has to work overtime, your energy bill will soar.
- Check Your Thermostat
This is a relatively quick step, as long as you don’t run into any problems. First off, swap out the batteries if the thermostat is indicating that it’s time to do so. If you can’t remember the last time you did this, it never hurts to replace the batteries. From there, switch your thermostat to cool and set the appropriate temperature.
Tip: if your old thermostat is no longer providing you with the service you’ve come to expect, consider swapping it out for a more modern Wi-Fi unit.
Clean the Outdoor Condenser
After a harsh winter, your condenser may be covered in dirt and debris. If you don’t clean it thoroughly, dirt and debris will continue to accumulate, eventually taking its toll on the efficiency of your unit.
This is also a good time of the year to cut back any vegetation, such as tall grass or weeds, that are growing around the unit.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks
When your AC powers on, you expect it to deliver cold air to the designated rooms. However, if you have leaks in your ductwork, you won’t get the performance you’re looking for. If you’re aware of any leaks that are easily accessible, seal them before turning your AC on for the first time. And if you’re unable to access a leak, contact a professional to assist you. These are some of the more important steps to take as you prepare your AC for the warmer summer months. Once you do these things, you’re in better position for your unit to provide top-notch performance until cooler air moves back into the area.
HVAC Service for Hot & Humid Boston Summer Months
If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your AC for the summer months, contact us for advice or to schedule a service appointment. We can visit your home, inspect your entire HVAC system, and ensure that it’s ready to keep you cool.
[i] https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-often-to-change-a-furnace-filter/
Categories:
DIY Air Conditioning
