How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Working All Summer Long

Posted on June 3, 2019 by oozle

It’s one thing to save money on your energy bill, it’s another to make sure that your appliances work all year long. In the summer months it’s crucial to have a working air conditioner (AC) in Las Vegas, as the hottest temperature in 2018 went all the way up to 115°. Here are a few ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly all season long.

Get a Tune-Up

Before you turn on your AC for the summer, give a professional a call to do any proper tune-up. While you can choose to DIY any AC fixes, it may be better to leave it to a professional, as they are able to better diagnose issues. They can also take care of the messy work for you. During a tune-up, you can expect your HVAC company to:

Replace Your Air Filters

How often you should replace your air filters depends on factors in your home. Ideally, you should change your air filter every three months, but you may have to replace it more often if you have pets or bad allergies. Clogged air filters restrict air flow and make your AC system work harder than it has to, plus it has a risk of pushing pollutants through the air.

Inspect Your Ducts

Much like replacing your air filters, you should have your ducts inspected and cleaned. Mold, dust, and dirt can buildup, leaving a dusty and moldy smell in your home.

Check Your System for Leaks

While some condensation may be normal depending on how old your system is and how much you use it, inspect for puddles of water around your system. If the condensation turns into pools, there may be a problem. A professional can help diagnose the issue and do any necessary repairs before your system breaks down entirely.

Clear Out Any Debris

Branches, leaves, and even plants growing near your system can stop your system from working properly. You may not need to hire an HVAC company to clear the plants on the outside, but they can open up your system and clean inside during a tune-up, too.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have an old thermostat, you may be leaving your AC on more than you need to, wasting money and energy. Upgrade your thermostat to one that’s programmable with both night and day settings. Energy Saver states that you can save as much as 10% a year by turning your temperature down anywhere between 7 and 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.

Planning on a vacation? A programmable thermostat allows you to control your AC when you’re not at home. Leaving your cooling system on keeps the strain off other appliances designed to keep things cool, such as your refrigerator. It can also keep it at a comfortable temperature for any pets you’re leaving at home.

Keep the Cool Air In!

Like winterizing your home, you should also take the necessary steps to get your home ready for warmer weather. You can:

• Weatherstrip doors
• Caulk windows
• Invest in sun-blocking curtains
• Install home insulation
• Invest in fans

You should also make sure windows and doors stay closed as much as possible whenever your AC system is on.

Leave Your AC Turned Off (If Possible)

One of the biggest ways you can keep your AC working is to give it a break when you can. If there’s a huge heatwave making it hard to stay indoors without the AC, keep it on at a comfortable temperature. If it’s early in the season, try turning off the system at night and opening a window. You can let in fresh air naturally, without relying on your cooling system. Just remember to close your windows when you turn it back on!

Schedule Your Tune-Up With ProServ Las Vegas

If you’re getting your home ready for the warmer weather, leave it to ProServ Las Vegas! Even better, invest in one of our maintenance and service plans to keep everything in your home running smoothly for years to come at a lower cost to you.