Tips to Get Your AC Unit Ready for Fall

With Labor Day behind us, fall weather is rapidly approaching. The changing of the seasons makes this one of the best times of year to perform some basic preventative maintenance on your air conditioner. This will help ensure the system is ready to go throughout the next six months before spring arrives.

While you’ll still get plenty of usage out of your AC during the Tampa winters, it will not be as likely to be running all day, every day. Performing some maintenance now will help you ensure your system is ready for the way your air conditioning habits will be changing.

Here’s a quick overview of how to check your AC unit before the seasons change:

• Check and change the filter: Your filters keep your system functioning at its most efficient level, while protecting your home from potential air pollution and the spread of allergens. You should change your filter at least once a season, and the start of fall is one of the best times to do so, especially after it’s likely been exposed to more debris and dust over the summer.
• Clean ducts and vents: The HVAC infrastructure in your home gets a major workout during the Florida summers, so it’s a good idea to check your air vents and ducts and clean them out. Not only will this help you improve the efficiency of the unit, but it will also make sure you are able to get reliably cooler air.
• Check the outdoor unit: If you’ve had any plants, shrubs or trees growing too close to the unit, trim them back so they don’t interfere with its operation. Clean around the outdoor unit by getting rid of twigs, dead leaves, rocks and dirt. If you have any reason to believe there’s debris inside the unit, you should have it professionally cleaned and serviced rather than attempting to do the job yourself.
• Check for air leaks: One of the most common reasons people get inefficient operation out of their air conditioning is because there are air leaks in their home. You’re most likely to find leaks around door and window frames. Hold up a piece of paper or a tissue to areas where you suspect a leak, and if it moves, that means air is coming through. You can replace weather-stripping or add some sealant around these areas to ensure the leaks get patched up properly.
• Check your thermostat: Is your thermostat functioning properly? Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade? Programable thermostats can help you customize the cooling in your home and save you energy, especially by reducing the amount of energy spent on cooling when you are not in your home.
• Consider an upgrade: A seasonal checkup of your AC is also a good time to consider whether you need to upgrade your unit. Think about how long it’s been and whether you’re having a hard time getting efficient operation.

For more ways to check your AC unit before the fall season arrives, contact the team at Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc.

Categorised in: AC Tune-Up