How to Ensure Your AC Is Ready for the Summer Heat
Summers in North Carolina are among the hottest and most humid in the country, and your AC needs to be working in top condition to beat the heat. The last thing you want is for your AC to break down in the middle of a scorching day. Fortunately, homeowners can do several things to make sure their AC is ready to go when they need it most. Read on for some professional summer cooling tips on how to ensure your AC is prepared for the heat.
Contact Weikle’s Hometown Heating and Air today to schedule AC services in Southport, NC, and surrounding areas!
Replace Your Filters
The simplest thing you can do to prepare your AC for the summer is to make sure you have a new air filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which causes your system to work harder than necessary. New filters ensure optimal airflow and will also improve your indoor air quality when AC usage increases. Air filters are located in the air handler and you usually do not need special tools to replace them.
Clean the Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils work in tandem to produce the cold air that comes through your vents. Coils are typically located in your outdoor unit and get clogged with dirt, dust, and leaves. You can clean your coils with a soft brush and dish soap to remove caked-on dirt. When cleaning, be sure you don’t bend any of the fins on the coils.
Check Your Coolant Levels
Air conditioner refrigerant fluid cycles through your compressor and coolant lines and is necessary to make cold air. A common sign of low coolant levels is uneven cooling and higher energy bills than normal. Your coolant lines create a closed loop, so if your coolant levels are low, you have a leak somewhere in your lines and will need to fix it when preparing your air conditioner.
Seal Windows & Doors
Homes can lose nearly a third of their energy due to poorly sealed windows, doors, and skylights. During the summer, you’ll want to keep as much cool air in your home as possible to stay comfortable. Go around to your windows and doors and seal any drafts with caulk to reduce energy loss. You can also install weather strips underneath outdoor doors for more insulation.
Get Professional Maintenance
The best way to ensure your AC is ready for the summer is to get professional HVAC maintenance and an air conditioning inspection. During maintenance appointments, a technician will test the various components of your system and gauge your HVAC system readiness. The typical AC tune-up checklist includes:
- Changing air filters
- Inspecting drain lines
- Cleaning coils
- Testing electrical components
- Calibrating thermostats
- And more
Your Trusted Heating & Cooling Experts
Do you need more advice on how to ensure your AC is ready for the season? If so, contact Weikle’s Hometown Heating and Air online or reach out to us today at (910) 931-0094 to schedule air conditioner maintenance in Southport, NC and surrounding areas!