We’re in the dog days of summer. It’s hot, it’s humid, and it seems like the weather will never get better. While that’s not true – it’ll feel better eventually – it sure doesn’t feel like the heat won’t let up any time soon. During these trying times, having a functional AC is the most important thing you can do to stay cool and comfortable.
With that said, figuring out ways to keep your AC efficient during the summer isn’t always easy. Let us help! Follow along as the cooling experts at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric give you some tips that will hopefully make life a bit more bearable while the sweltering heat surrounds us.
Clear Debris from Outside
Although we associate cooling our homes with the indoor AC unit, the large piece of equipment outside is just as important. When your outdoor condenser unit is clogged and suffocated by debris like branches and grass clippings, it becomes harder for it to get rid of excess heated air.
Do it a favor and clear out a nice 3-foot radius from the unit so it has plenty of room to breathe. Your air will be fresher, and the entire AC system won’t have to work as hard to cool your air properly.
Change Your AC Unit’s Air Filter
Unless you’re living in an artificially engineered biodome, your environment has a lot of unwanted air particles and other contaminants floating around it. Thankfully, our homes are protected thanks to filters that screen these out. But you can’t leave them in forever (most of them, at least).
Eventually they’ll get clogged and your AC unit’s efficiency will plummet. Make sure to change out your air filter roughly every 30 days so they don’t get bogged down by things that can impact you and your family’s health.
Keeping Your Pets Cool in the Summer
Remove Obstructions
However, clogs don’t just happen on the filter. They also occur at other places where air circulates, such as in your ducts and at your vent registers. If these start to experience a buildup of harmful air particles as well, then you’ll notice your AC cycle start to suffer. Cooling costs will rise, and you may encounter some respiratory issues at home as these particles eventually get into your home.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
This is arguably the most important thing you can do to make sure your AC stays running smoothly and efficiently. Although you can make a few tweaks and adjustments at home yourself to pitch in, nothing will make a difference quite like the trained hand of a professional will.
Schedule this service roughly twice a year – once in spring and again at the beginning of fall. The technician will calibrate your unit to return it to its original cooling and heating capabilities, and they’ll make recommendations to ensure it stays that way once they leave.
Common Cooling Issues and What to Do About Them
Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric: Helping You Figure Out Ways to Keep Your AC Efficient Since 1967
Whenever your AC is on the fritz, we’re here to help. Whether you want to improve your AC unit’s efficiency in the summer, or are in the market for a new unit entirely, give the experts at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric a call at (813) 530-9061! We’ll help you figure out the best ways to keep your AC efficient year-round!
