As the summer season transitions to autumn, you might notice temperatures dropping significantly. Homeowners take this as a sign to have their heating units tuned-up. It also means the air conditioners won’t be seeing heavy use until after the next cooling season.
That said, it would be in your best interest to include air condition service along with your heating tune-up this September. Although AC maintenance is not necessarily meant for the season you’re in, it is a good way to avoid problems next season. Not only that, but the stress and dirt that has built up in the unit over the summer may also reduce the efficiency of your unit when September comes.
To help you learn about the importance of AC maintenance in September, take the time to read this article.
Why Should You Perform AC Maintenance in September?
Most HVAC professionals recommend getting your air conditioners maintained in the spring, but fall is just as good a time to get it done. Otherwise, you may end up with problems, such as poor AC performance and frequent repairs. Scheduling an AC maintenance appointment in September can help you prevent its components from being broken or damaged in the long run. It’s also worth noting that keeping your AC in hibernation all year round can be tough on the equipment. When next year’s cooling season arrives, you will likely need more repairs.
Fall AC maintenance will also allow your local technician to evaluate its condition. Perhaps, the summer heat had been harsh on the equipment. Dirt, dust and debris may have settled in the AC, affecting its performance and making the system work harder to achieve the same amount of cooling. If this is the case, your technician can perform the necessary repairs before it’s serviced again next year. This way, you can rest assured that your AC system isn’t going to break down once you turn it on next summer.
Furthermore, scheduling AC maintenance will also keep your warranty current. Take note that for many AC systems, lack of maintenance will void the warranty. As a homeowner, you have to make sure your warranty should not lapse before its time. If not, you may be stuck paying for an expensive replacement in case of a manufacturer’s defect. In addition, be sure to hire a licensed professional for air condition repair, replacement, installation or tune-ups for your warranty to remain valid. The manufacturer will not be responsible for any problems caused by DIY air conditioning work.
What Should You Include in Your Fall AC Maintenance?
All the services and procedures that are included in your AC maintenance are designed to help your system function efficiently. To help you get the most out of your air conditioning unit this September, we prepared a checklist of what you should include in your fall AC maintenance:
- Check your air filters. The air filters are one of the most important components of your AC system. Dirty filters can affect the performance of the unit, so be sure to regularly check them for dust accumulation. Many professionals recommend cleaning the filter with an air blower followed by water for better performance. Be sure to change them every three months or more frequently depending on whether you have pets at home or family members with asthma or other respiratory problems.
- Unclog the drain. The drain at the end of your AC lets the water drain away from the unit. If this drain gets clogged, the water will be unable to leave and drip inside the room from any opening it gets. The humidity level of the room would also rise significantly if the water inside the air conditioner has no outlet to escape out of. To prevent your drain from getting clogged, get in touch with your local technician.
- Adjust your thermostat settings. As the season begins to cool, you should increase or decrease the temperature based on your preference. Since most people keep their homes between 68 to 72 degrees during the summer, raising your thermostat by just 2 degrees can help you save on your energy bills. By keeping your thermostat closer to the outside temperature while also keeping your home comfortable, your system will not work as hard.
- Utilize your thermostat’s automatic setting. Thermostats have two settings: one that keeps your AC running until you turn it off and another that shuts it off once your home reaches a certain temperature. As the weather gets cooler, you should utilize the automatic setting so that your AC will only run when necessary. You also don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting to keep up with temperature fluctuations.
- Clean your air conditioning unit’s coils. The evaporator and condenser coils of your AC unit collect dirt during the summer months from your lawnmower and even in the fall as the leaves change. The dirt reduces airflow, which can lead to your unit absorbing heat. To avoid this, be sure to clean the exterior area around the coils.
- Remove debris from around the condenser unit. Dirt, grime, weeds and leaves are likely building up around your condenser unit by the end of summer. This can disrupt your HVAC‘s airflow and hinder its efficiency during the cold season. To remove all natural debris and clip overgrown grass, use a hose. Raking grass clippings, leaves and weeds should also do the trick.
- Use your ceiling fans. In some cases, you need to keep the air in your home moving more than you need air conditioning. Remember, it’s easier to tolerate a warmer temperature on your thermostat by using ceiling fans to circulate cool air. Moreover, using your ceiling fans can also relieve some of the strain on your monthly energy bills.
- Add extra insulation. It’s best to add extra strong insulation as the weather starts getting cold. Use foam pipe covers around the air conditioning unit’s exposed pipes and wiring – especially those that go into your home. Using duct tape is a great way to keep the foam insulation in place and stop pipes from freezing and cracking.
If you’re thinking of scheduling a tune-up for your AC this September, turn to the pros at EZ Air Conditioning and Heating! We are determined to assist you with your maintenance needs, including air condition repair. Give us a call at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment.
