Beat the Heat: 5 Tips to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

Scorching days are almost upon us in the Twin Cities, which means your air conditioner better be in tip-top shape! Though routine A/C cleaning doesn’t cross many homeowners’ minds, it plays an integral role in maintaining HVAC efficiency and optimal indoor air quality.

At Dust Doctors, we know how important it is to maintain healthy indoor air quality, especially during summer, when many people beat the heat by spending time indoors. So how can you ensure your A/C is performing its best? We’re delving into the details below.

1. Replace Your HVAC Filter

If you tend to forget your HVAC filter, you’re definitely not alone. But forgetting to change your HVAC filter for long periods of time can have some undesirable consequences, including:

●        Increased dirt and grime inside your duct system

●        Increased dirt and grime in your air conditioner

●        Diminished indoor air quality

●        Diminished HVAC system efficiency

When your filter is caked in dirt and dust, air cannot travel through the filter’s weave as easily as it should. And when air has a hard time getting through a filthy filter, your air conditioner must work harder than necessary to circulate cool air through your home.

Simply swapping out a filthy filter for a clean one can make a big difference in your a/c ability to cool your house efficiently. And, perhaps, more importantly, a clean filter can also improve the quality of the air you breathe while you hang out indoors.

2. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning

Whether or not you realize it, your ductwork plays a major role in the efficiency of your HVAC system and your indoor air quality. Because your A/C system continually forces air through your ducts and into your home, your ductwork must be as clean as possible to achieve maximum airflow and, ultimately, system efficiency.

When your ducts are filthy, dust, hair, pollen, and other particles circulate through the system, clogging the intake and return, and reducing cool airflow. What’s more, when your ducts contain significant buildup, forced air carries innumerable microscopic particles into your home’s ambient air. Unfortunately, simply spending time inside your house forces you to inhale these health-harming particles, which can negatively affect your respiratory system and trigger indoor allergies.

How do you fix a dirty ductwork problem that’s hampering your air conditioner’s efficiency? With routine duct cleaning!

At Dust Doctors, we recommend professional duct cleaning at two-year intervals, but if you own pets or have allergies, you may require annual cleaning. Professional duct cleaning ensures your ducts are free from all manner of buildup, which allows your A/C system to efficiently cool your home throughout the summer months.

3. Schedule A/C Cleaning With a Pro

Depending on the current state of your ductwork and the age of your outdoor A/C unit, duct cleaning alone may not be enough to maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency. That’s where professional A/C cleaning comes in.

According to most A/C manufacturers, you should have your outdoor unit professionally cleaned annually. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably fallen behind on that recommended cleaning schedule at least once or twice (or maybe more).

Although infrequent A/C cleaning might not seem that big of a deal, unfortunately, it can be. Neglecting routine A/C cleaning often leads to substantial debris accumulation within the condenser unit and dirt and grime buildup in other a/c components.

Over time, this buildup negatively affects the efficiency of your air conditioner, increases your monthly energy bills, and can even cause premature burnout. If you haven’t had your system cleaned in the last year, spring and early summer are both excellent times to take care of that.

Scheduling a/c cleaning before summer weather sets in will not only help you maintain a cooler, more comfortable home but can also help keep your summertime energy bills more reasonable.

4. Maintain Your A/C With Routine Coil Cleaning

How does A/C coil cleaning differ from routine A/C cleaning services? Unlike routine A/C cleaning, the technician won’t address the outdoor condenser unit, only the system’s indoor coil.

Your A/C coil is the component that allows the refrigerant within the system to absorb heat from inside your home. When the coil becomes coated in dirt, dust, and other debris, your air conditioner cannot efficiently absorb and direct heat away from your home.

Ultimately, you’ll have trouble keeping your house at a constant, comfortable temperature, and you’ll also notice rising energy costs. We recommend having your A/C coil cleaned at least once per year, perhaps more often if your system is reaching the end of its functional life.

5. Double-Check Your Thermostat

Were your energy bills any higher than normal throughout winter? If so, and you weren’t sure why, your thermostat may have something to do with that.

Generally, standard thermostats have a lifespan of around 10 years, but some high-quality models can last longer. If your thermostat is nearing or past the end of its recommended functional life, it’s a good idea to inspect and test it to see if it’s still operating properly. Here’s how to do that (you’ll need a helper):

●        Double-check that your thermostat is set to “On” and on the “Heat” setting. If you have a programmable unit, make sure there are no active overrides that will interfere with your test.

●        If your thermostat has a battery, make sure it’s still good.

●        Stand at the thermostat and have your helper stand near the furnace.

●        Increase the thermostat’s heat setting slowly. The device should make a clicking sound, and so should your furnace, if the device is operating properly.

●        Ask your helper if the furnace indeed made any sounds when you increased the temperature setting. If it did not, your thermostat likely needs to be replaced.

If your thermostat is hardwired to your electrical system, it may be in your best interest to have a professional replace the unit. But if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, more power to you.

Ready to Schedule Professional A/C Cleaning in the Twin Cities?

If you’re ready to get maximum efficiency out of your air conditioner this summer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Dust Doctors! We can clean your ductwork along with the indoor and outdoor components of your A/C system, so you can beat the heat this summer with cool, comfortable, and clean indoor air.

To learn more about our Twin Cities duct cleaning or A/C cleaning services, feel free to give our team a call at 651-319-9777 or connect with us online, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly!