If you reside in the Virginia Beach area, you know summers here are no joke. With temperatures averaging about 85 degrees, staying cool and comfortable during this time of the year is crucial. Whether you are planning on enjoying a nice family vacation at your summer home or hosting a fourth of July party, the team at Galactic Heating & Cooling wants you to enjoy your summer festivities to the fullest. This blog will go over five effective ways to prepare your AC unit for the warmest months of the year.
When Should I Start Prepping My Unit For Summer?
Although there is no specific date you should start preparing your AC unit for summer, it is recommended that you start as soon as possible. With spring being in full swing, right now is the perfect time to take action. Picture this: You wake up, turn the weather channel on while making yourself breakfast, and overhear your local weather channel guy saying a heatwave is on its way. Then, you decide to lower your thermostat a few degrees when BOOM! Your AC won’t switch settings and something appears to be wrong. Taking action so this does not happen at the most inconvenient time is key.
What Should I Do To Prepare My AC Unit For Summer?
With that being said, there are a few things you can do at home and with the help of professional help to prepare your unit for the warmer weather. Following these steps will ensure your unit is ready to work hard for the summer to keep you and your loved ones comfortable:
- Clean Air Filters
- Check For Airflow Leaks or Obstructions
- Remove Debris From Around The Outside Unit
- Consider Switching To A Smart Thermostat
- Request AC Maintenance
Clean Air Filters
Cleaning or replacing your air filters is simple and can be done so in a matter of minutes. If you let your unit’s air filter accumulate dust and debris for longer than it should, this can lead to motor burnout and ultimately failure. Additionally, dirty or clogged air filters can affect your home’s air quality levels, leading to negative health side effects. Depending on environmental factors such as number of pets and the type of filter you own, technicians advise that homeowners change their air filters approximately every 90 days.
Check For Airflow Leaks or Obstructions
So, you’re aware that you should check for airflow leaks or obstructions around your unit but don’t know exactly where to look. First, you will want to return to the areas where the ductwork is accessible once your HVAC system is turned on. Then, put your hand over the metal of the connections between each section of duct to check them. If air touches your hand, this points to an air leak and the connection is loose.
Remove Debris From Around The Outside Unit
Cleaning the outside unit is another important thing all homeowners should do while preparing their AC unit for the summer. A year’s worth of dirt and debris have accumulated around the cooling fins of the outdoor unit while it has been left outside, making it less efficient. To remove debris from around the outside unit, you will need:
- A vacuum
- A garden hose
- A foaming coil cleaner
- A trash bag
- Gardening gloves
- Garden scissors
Consider Switching To A Smart Thermostat
Thermostats are one of the most important parts of your HVAC system because they help maintain the required temperature throughout your home. Having a thermostat that works efficiently is crucial to save you money on energy bills and keep you and your loved ones comfortable year-round. If your thermostat is old and approaching the end of its lifetime, you should consider investing in a smart thermostat which uses advanced technology to learn your preferred temperature patterns.
Request AC Maintenance
Scheduling preventive maintenance will ensure that the equipment is operating at maximum efficiency as well as it will extend the life of your unit. If you’re a new homeowner, we understand that taking any of the steps listed above may seem tricky at first which is why Galactic Air is happy to help!
Give The Pros A Call
The professional technicians at Galactic Air Heating & Cooling are happy to walk you through any of the above steps. Taking action now to prepare your unit for the upcoming warm weather will save you lots of money and trouble on unexpected breakdowns. Leave the hard work to us and go enjoy your warm weather festivities!
