Summers can get very hot here in the St. Louis area, and we put a lot of trust in our air conditioners to keep us comfortable at home. Although breakdowns will happen from time to time, we want to help you avoid having problems with your air conditioner when you depend on it the most. So before the cooling season kicks into full gear, take a look at the maintenance tips we listed below to help keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long!
7 air conditioner maintenance tips to keep in mind this summer
- Schedule your annual tune-up. The most important maintenance tip we can offer is to schedule an annual tune-up for your air conditioner. During a tune-up, we’ll take care of many of the maintenance tasks that should only be performed by a professional, including checking refrigerant levels and fixing any mechanical problems. A tune-up will help prevent most problems with your air conditioner in the summer to come and bring your cooling system up to its peak operating efficiency.
- Use reasonable thermostat settings. The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your air conditioner will have to work. You can ease the load on your air conditioner by setting your thermostat to the highest temperature that you’re comfortable with. You can also use a programmable thermostat to automatically raise your home’s temperature when you’re away from home or sleeping.
- Don’t unnecessarily lower your thermostat. Some people try to set their thermostats as low as possible when they initially turn on their air conditioners, thinking it will cool their homes faster. This is a misconception that will just put extra stress on your air conditioner. Instead, keep your thermostat at its normal settings whenever you turn it on.
- Change thermostat batteries. The beginning of summer is a great time to swap out the batteries in your digital thermostat to ensure it stays properly powered all summer long.
- Keep area around condenser unit clear. Plants, shrubbery, and debris can build up around your outdoor condenser unit throughout the summer and restrict its airflow. Be sure to keep the area within a few feet around your condenser unit clear.
- Call a professional as soon as you suspect problems. Although the tips above will significantly reduce the possibility of air conditioner problems this summer, there’s always a chance that something can go wrong. If you suspect a problem with your air conditioner, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning as soon as possible before the problem gets worse!
Check your filter every month. Your air filter protects your air conditioner from dust and other airborne particles, but it can do more harm than good if it’s clogged. A clogged filter forces your air handler to work harder and allows particles to bypass your filter and build upon your system’s components. Be sure to check your filter every month and change it when it’s dirty.
If you have any questions about these air conditioner maintenance tips for your home, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis area air conditioner installation and repair company. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Wentzville, Winghaven, and St. Charles.
photo credit: ActiveSteve via photopin cc
