Preparing for the Cooling Season (Return to Blog)
The relentless heat of summer is on it’s way to the Washington DC/Metro area, and if you haven’t already, you’ll probably begun using your air conditioner soon. Before the hot, muggy heat really grabs ahold of you, make sure your air conditioner is ready to perform all summer long.
Schedule a Tune-Up. Just like your car, your air conditioner needs to be regularly maintained. This means at least once a year, you need to have your AC inspected, serviced and cleaned. Over the year, your air conditioner can collect grime and parts can wear. Regular tune-ups keep the unit running smoothly and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns during the hottest and busiest time of year.
Change the Air Filter. The air filter to your heating and cooling system should be changed at least every 30 days. Unfortunately many homeowners don’t change the air filter regularly. When this happens, additional, unnecessary strain is placed on the unit, which makes it work harder than necessary.
Clean Around the Unit. To function efficiently and without fail, our air conditioning unit requires at the very minimum, a foot of clear space surrounding the unit. Trim back any plants, shrubbery, or weeds growing around the perimeter of the unit. Doing so allows the AC to breathe without obstructing airflow.
Have the Ductwork Inspected. Especially if you have never had your ductwork inspected, the start of the cooling season is always a great time. An inspection of your ductwork can help to identify leaks, weaknesses or blockages that can lead to higher cooling costs than you would otherwise be paying. If problems are discovered with your ductwork, minor repair and modifications will be an effective fix to get you back on track to staying comfortable without wasting money.
Service Works is your local air conditioning expert. Schedule your 50-point maintenance inspection today. Do you think it might be time for a new air conditioner? We can help with that, too! Contact us online for a free estimate.
