Air Conditioning Home Comfort HVAC Maintenance

Summer is just around the corner, so there is no better time to get your air conditioner checked and ready to go for the months ahead. For an intricate system such as an air conditioner to run efficiently and consistently for months at a time, it’s important to ensure that every component is up to the task. Ideally, this just requires minor maintenance, however, the longer an AC unit goes unchecked, the more potential there will be for expensive malfunctions to occur. A functional and reliable air conditioner is an important investment for homeowners in Riverside. Maximize the potential of your air conditioner and get the most out of your investment with necessary seasonal care. Here’s how:

Perform an Inspection of Your Property

There are a lot of components that can impact your air conditioner’s efficiency and stability. As a home or business owner, you can look for obvious signs of issues to come, even without a complete understanding of the HVAC industry. Here is what YOU can do to get your air conditioner ready for summer:

  • Look for obvious signs of wear and tear.
  • Clear away debris and dirt from your outdoor unit.
  • Inspect your unit for leaks.
  • Listen for signs of strained performance.
  • Check for cracks or misalignments along entry points, vents, ducts, windows, etc.
  • Investigate your attic and exterior wall insulation.

Your system’s effectiveness relies on more than just its components. If air is leaking out of your property, it won’t matter how great your air conditioner is, you’ll lose money on over-use. Addressing these issues before the heaviest heat has hit will majorly help your monthly energy bill.

Test Your Air Conditioner

Running your air conditioner can not only provide necessary quality assurance that your system is ready to keep you cool this summer, but it’s also a terrific way to diagnose potential issues. You’ve likely had your AC on for the spring months, but it’s important to pay attention to what your AC could be telling you. Ask yourself these questions when listening to and watching your air conditioner:

  • Is your system louder than you remember?
  • Does it make a grinding noise?
  • Is there any visible leakage from any component of your air conditioner?
  • Will your system run and shut off properly, or is it over cycling?
  • Is your air conditioner in sync with your thermostat (does it feel like what your thermostat is set to)?

Change/Clean Your Filter

You likely haven’t been thinking about your AC filter since you haven’t been running your AC as often through the cooler months. However, just because your unit hasn’t been running, doesn’t mean your filter hasn’t been sitting and collecting dust throughout the year. If you didn’t change your filter before the spring, you’ll want to do it now. Your air filter helps to protect your system from dust and debris. The dirtier your system is, the less efficient it operates, the higher your energy bills become, and the shorter your system’s lifespan will become. Don’t let something as simple as cleaning or replacing your air filter affect your air conditioner; DIY this task or give one of our Riverside HVAC technicians a call.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Already have plans for summer vacation? Utilizing a smart or programmable thermostat can help you schedule your system to work less hard while you’re gone. The most high-tech thermostats can even intuit this information based on household activity (or lack thereof). If you’re on the fence about replacing your old thermostat, these months just before summer are the perfect time to consider an upgrade.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

The best way to ensure that your system is ready for summer is through bi-annual maintenance appointments. Having an HVAC technician come out and examine your system will guarantee that nothing is holding your system back from operating at its maximum capacity. Small details won’t get overlooked and underlying issues will be serviced on the spot. Keeping your system clean and error-free will improve its overall lifespan and current performance and give you the peace of mind that your home comfort is guaranteed through the heating season.

Don’t let any detail get overlooked. Call 951-780-9882 to schedule your routine maintenance today!

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