Warm weather will be here before you know it, so it’s time to take a few steps to make sure your air conditioning will be ready to provide cool air and remain energy efficient at the same time. Here are seven steps to follow to prepare for when the weather gets hot here in Erlanger, KY:
Check Your Ducts for Wear and Tear
Don’t underestimate the importance of air conditioner ducts. Before warm weather arrives, inspect the ducts for wear and tear and make sure they are sealed.
If the seals are in fact not sealed, cool air won’t be able to move to where it is needed in your home.
Inspect Your Refrigerant
Check that your refrigerant is at the proper level. If refrigerant levels are too low, the compressor can burn out. If you find that refrigerant levels are too low, it’s a sign that there is a leak somewhere. Normal wear and tear, as well as vibrations, can cause leaks, and they must be found and sealed in order to prevent further damage.
Check Your Thermostat
Check your thermostat to make sure it is working. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure the batteries are not dead. If your thermostat is outdated, consider upgrading it.
Make Sure Your Air Conditioner is Not Frozen
When your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cold, it’s possible that it is frozen. A unit can freeze because of coolant leaks, cold temperatures or debris buildup. You may or may not be able to see visible ice on the outside of the unit.
Look at Your SEER Ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
The SEER measures air conditioning cooling efficiency. The SEER rating is usually 13 to 25.
A higher SEER rating indicates better efficiency, so if your AC has a low SEER, consider replacing it with a more efficient unit to save on cooling costs.
Central AC Units Are Always a Better Option
If you don’t currently have central air conditioning, consider the benefits. Central air conditioning is energy efficient and does a great job keeping the whole house cool and comfortable.
You will also be able to save money on electricity in the long run while being able to circulate air throughout the whole house. Central A/C can be added to existing heating ductwork.
Many problems with air conditioning happen because routine maintenance wasn’t done regularly. Get in the habit of following these seven steps so that you will be ready to enjoy the warm weather without worrying about your air conditioning not cooling you off when you need it to.