It’s happening again. Bugs are appearing in droves. You’re sweating after taking a short walk. There’s a mirage on the asphalt when you look down the street. Yep, summer heat is beginning to show itself, and it’s looking to be a hot one. While this may be an exciting part of the year for many people, it brings challenges with it—one of the most prevalent being keeping your home cool enough to provide respite for what will eventually become oppressively high temperatures. If you think you can skip out on AC unit maintenance and make it through the hot season unscathed, you are very brave indeed.
In this blog, we’ll go over some vital tips that will help you avoid the dreaded HVAC breakdown that always seems to come at the worst times. Air conditioner servicing is a big part of it, but there are other steps you can take as well.
Why Seasonal AC Unit Maintenance Matters
Before we go into the “how,” let’s take a little dip into the “why.” There are plenty of important benefits to be enjoyed from regular air conditioner servicing. For one, it helps to prevent breakdowns during heatwaves. We know everyone has been there. Temperatures peak and your unit can’t handle it. No matter how much you fiddle with the air conditioner settings, it can’t keep up or it shuts down entirely. When your equipment receives routine attention and maintenance, the likelihood of these inopportune breakdowns goes way down. Not only that, but keeping things in top shape means you’re prolonging the lifespan of your unit. It’s a win/win situation!
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention another big perk of regular AC unit maintenance: Energy efficiency. When it doesn’t have to go into overdrive just to provide cool air even on the hottest days, it’s using less energy. This translates not just to a lower carbon footprint, but lower energy bills as well!
Key Steps to Get Your AC Summer-Ready
Regular maintenance from a professional is a great way to care for your unit, but there are also things you can do right now to keep things running as smoothly as possible:
- Replace or clean your air filters: As dirt builds up in your air filter, it gradually becomes an obstruction, preventing the proper flow of air. This leads to lower efficiency and reduced air quality. Be sure to check your filters frequently and replace them as needed, especially during heatwaves when your system is running more frequently.
- Check thermostat settings and batteries: Your air conditioner settings need to be a focus of attention. The biggest thing here is making sure your thermostat is set to cool. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an easy oversight if you’re not thinking about it. While you’re at it, make sure your thermostat’s batteries aren’t dying or dead.
- Inspect and clean vents and ductwork: Filters aren’t the only things that can become blocked with dust. Your vents can collect all sorts of debris over time, leading to buildups that become obstructions.
- Ensure proper airflow around outdoor units: Make sure leaves, weeds, and other debris is moved away from your outdoor unit to make sure it can achieve optimal performance.
When to Call a Professional
The steps above are vital, but the services of a trained professional can’t be overstated when it comes to home comfort in the summer. There are times when it’s best to call us in, such as when there are strange noises or smells that you can’t identify emanating from your unit. Grinding and rattling are never normal.
In the same vein, we’re your go-to experts if your system isn’t cooling your home or individual rooms consistently, or if your home is unusually humid. These symptoms are likely caused by underlying problems that require a good look “under the hood”—failing compressors and low refrigerant being common culprits.
The best way to ensure you get trained eyes on your unit frequently enough is to sign up for our Comfort Club program, which includes regular AC unit maintenance (and plenty of discounts). You can get all the information you need here. Speaking of member perks…
Benefits of Early AC Unit Maintenance
When your HVAC unit is on the line, timing is everything. A midsummer breakdown isn’t something anyone wants to deal with, so prevention is ideal. If you prioritize this before the last minute, you can enjoy:
- Faster service: When you schedule your service before peak season, you won’t have to worry about long waits.
- Improved indoor comfort: If your AC is well-tuned, you’ll be starting the season in complete comfort.
- Peace of mind: You can rest easy knowing you’ve taken the initiative and scheduled AC unit maintenance.
Trust Holtzople for Reliable Air Conditioner Servicing
The best time to give your HVAC some TLC is right now—not when the heat has arrived in full force. By being proactive, you can avoid stressful breakdowns, discomfort, and even compromised safety. Take the time to take preventative steps, and get in touch with Holtzople for professional maintenance and repair work that will help your system last for years to come.