Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer
It gets hot during the summer, especially in southern states like Oklahoma. The hotter it is outside, the more strain your AC system will be under as it tries to keep up with your cooling needs. This can cause efficiency problems as well as full system breakdowns, so it’s important to prepare your AC for the warmer months ahead.
Change the Air Filter
One of the best ways to keep your AC running smoothly is to change the air filter every one to two months during the summer. This is especially important if you have children or shedding pets. Keeping your air filter from getting too dirty will keep dust and other debris out of the system, maximizing airflow and keeping your AC running smoothly.
Schedule a Tune-Up
Even more important than regularly changing your filter is scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up for your system before the heat of summer hits. Regular AC tune-ups are an important part of your air conditioner’s short-term and long-term health, and you should schedule one in the spring and fall each year.
Not only do regular tune-ups keep your AC working in top condition year-round, but having a tune-up done in the spring will give the system an extra boost ahead of the most difficult months. After its tune-up, your AC will be ready to take on even the hottest day of summer.
Clean Up Around the Unit
While part of an AC tune-up is cleaning the various parts of your AC unit, there are several things you can do throughout the summer to keep your AC as clean and efficient as possible. Some of these include:
- Clearing debris from the outdoor unit.
- Keeping landscaping and other possible debris away from the unit.
- Cleaning the fins on the unit when dirty.
By keeping plants, leaves, dirt and more away from your air conditioner throughout the cooling season, you can prevent debris from entering your AC system and interfering with its energy efficiency. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to keep a barrier of at least two feet between your outdoor AC unit and any plants or trees that could drop leaves and other debris into the system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re looking for a more permanent and less maintenance-related way to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, programmable or smart thermostats are for you. You can use a programmable thermostat to give your AC a break when you’re away from home while keeping you cool and comfortable when you are at home. With smart thermostats, you can manage your AC from your smartphone and even review its efficiency to catch problems more quickly.
Maintain Your AC with Norman Air
At Norman Air, we’re committed to helping our customers maintain their AC systems all year long. We offer all of the air conditioning services you need to keep your AC running smoothly through the cooling season and beyond.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule your AC tune-up.
