In just a couple of weeks, the official end of summer will be here. That may not mean much for other parts of the country that are warm almost all year long, but for us it means we soon get to shut off our air conditioners in favor of our heating systems.
Speaking of your air conditioner, however, being as late as it is in the season, chances are high that it has built up a good amount of wear and tear from the few months of steady work it has gone through. That being said, you could very well find yourself in need of air conditioning repair in Bountiful, UT. You might think that since it’s the end of the season, you can wait on repairs—but making any delay could leave you with unintended consequences next year, or even in a few weeks when you begin to use your heater!
Change Your Air Filter
Don’t underestimate just how important it is to regularly change the air filter in your HVAC system. This filter, which is there to protect the inside components of the system, should be changed out every 1 to 3 months (the stronger your air filter, the less often it needs to be changed).
If you haven’t already changed your air filter this summer, chances are very high that you need to now. Clean air filters help keep your cooling (and heating) bills under control and help you avoid putting extra strain on motors that can lead to breakdowns and frequently tripped circuit breakers.
Keep the Area around the Cabinet Clear
How often do you inspect the outside cabinet of your air conditioner? You should be checking for branches and leaves that might have gathered around it, as they can inhibit proper heat release from the system, causing its efficiency to drop.
Rocks and pebbles can also create the potential for damage to components if they get inside the cabinet. Keep the area clear for at least a foot. You might also want to wash down the cabinet exterior.
Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes, apparent problems with your air conditioner aren’t with the actual system itself but rather with your thermostat. Plus, controlling your thermostat settings is a huge part of subsequently controlling your cooling bills. It’s recommended that you aim for 78°F, as this is the average temperature that most people are comfortable with.
If the thermostat isn’t working right, however, then the cooling system will operate at the wrong times and waste power. Ensure that your thermostat has fresh batteries, is displaying correctly, and isn’t set in the wrong mode.
Never Neglect Repair Needs
As with any large piece of equipment or appliance, the longer you wait to arrange for repairs on the AC when a problem arises, the more extensive and costly that eventual repair will be. You’ll be putting the system at a higher risk of a major breakdown, typically when you need your air conditioning system the most.
Contact your HVAC and plumbing experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service today!