4 Ways to Prep for Air Conditioning Season

Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you blink, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s smart to be ready for the extra usage before temperatures get warmer. 

BW/Cook Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional skill goes a long way, but there are many other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can prep for air conditioning season. 

1. Clean Your Air Conditioner

Don’t worry, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts take care of this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment. 

But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We recommend: 

• Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner. 
• Keeping surrounding grass and plants cut back. 
• Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of clear room on all sides around your air conditioner. 

If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to give the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it may stop running altogether and need air conditioning repair. 

Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so we want to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner usually runs more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and often lasts longer. 

2. Replace Your Air Filter

Routinely replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our techs check filters and replace them if needed. Putting in a new filter is speedy and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever! 

How frequently you need to get a new filter depends on: 

• The kind of filter you use. 
• If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems. 

• If you have pets. 

Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. More dense pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter should be replaced, pull it out, and hold it up to the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters catch dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Disregarding it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency. 

Sometimes a dirty filter could even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced. 

If someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms. 

3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

Now is a good time to check other important parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems. 

If you use a programmable thermostat, check that it’s running right. If the batteries are getting low, replace them. 

For added control and convenience, think about upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make using less energy simpler. And select models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing. 

Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good gives peace of mind and an added layer of protection. 

4. Keep Heat Outdoors

One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the amount of outside heat seeping into your house. Using premium window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting interior temperatures. 

Here are a few other ways to keep your house cold without adjusting the thermostat: 

• Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Use your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower. 

• Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow. 
• Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows. 

Rely on BW/Cook Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our list will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the best way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service involve: 

• Stress-free cooling. 

• Likely reduced cooling costs. 
• Likely extending your air conditioner’s lifetime. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at BW/Cook Service Experts now! Reach us at 574-218-6404 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.