4 Ways to Get Ready for Air Conditioning Season

Summer might seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you realize, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cozy temperatures. It’s smart to prep for the more usage before temperatures heat up. 

McKinley Heating Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our detailed air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and dependability. Our professional experience goes a long way, but there are many other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can prepare for air conditioning season. 

1. Clean Your Air Conditioner

Don’t be concerned, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts handle this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment. 

But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way also. We advise: 

• Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner. 
• Keeping nearby grass and plants trimmed back. 
• Maintaining at least 1 foot of clear room on all sides around your air conditioner. 

If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to provide the same level of cooling. In bad cases, it might stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair. 

Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner typically cools more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer. 

2. Change Your Air Filter

Frequently replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s health. During a maintenance visit, our professionals inspect filters and put in new ones if required. Installing a new filter is quick and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible! 

How often you need to install a new filter depends on: 

• The style of filter you use. 
• If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues. 

• If you have pets. 

Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter should be replaced, remove it, and hold it up to the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters trap dust, pollen and other particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow clean. Disregarding it will decrease your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency. 

Sometimes a dirty filter may even damage your system or cause it to stop working. Frequently replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent. 

If someone in your family has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms. 

3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

Now is the perfect time to check other crucial components of your air conditioner and other safety systems. 

If you have a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s running correctly. If the batteries are running low, change them. 

For added control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy easier. And some models can even alert you if there’s a problem with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed. 

Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they still work delivers peace of mind and an added layer of safety. 

4. Keep Heat Outdoors

One of the wisest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the level of exterior heat seeping into your residence. Using quality window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from affecting interior temperatures. 

Here are a couple other ways to keep your house chilly without turning down the thermostat: 

• Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Run your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower. 

• Keep air vents uncovered to ensure adequate airflow. 
• Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows. 

Depend on McKinley Heating Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our list will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service include: 

• Headache-free cooling. 

• Potentially cheaper cooling bills. 
• Likely lengthening your air conditioner’s life expectancy. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at McKinley Heating Service Experts now! Contact us at 780-800-7092 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.