Getting Your Heating and Air Ready for Summer in the Greater Sacramento Area
California and several other western states endured one of the worst summers on record in 2021. We hope it doesn’t get worse this year, but if it does, is your HVAC system ready to keep you cool? Your air conditioner sits idle for months and collects leaves, dust, and other unwanted debris which can affect its performance. Routine HVAC maintenance is one of the best ways to get your air conditioner working in tip-top condition during summer.
At Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning we recommend checking your HVAC system and booking for repair and maintenance before the season begins to avoid suffering unnecessary discomfort during your wait, as most of our technicians are often overloaded at that time. Here are a few things you can do to get your HVAC system ready for heavy use in summer.
Turn Off the Unit and Remove the Surrounding Debris
Make sure you turn off everything before opening the cover to clean. Inspect the unit for any debris or damage. Depending on where you have installed the unit, you’re likely to find vegetation and leaves near the condenser. You want to ensure that the condenser is not obstructed in its function of transferring heat. Therefore, start by clearing the area around the unit and removing any debris inside and outside. Trim any grass, bushes, or trees that have overgrown around the unit as they can clog the system.
Clean the Condensation Lines
Image Url: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-and-white-wall-mounted-fan-3964704
Cleaning is a form of maintenance as it helps keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently throughout the season. The condensation lines which are responsible for carrying condensation away from the air conditioning unit should remain clean all the time. You can also check to ensure they’re not clogged. If this happens, it can cause water to build up and flow back to the air conditioning system. Check where the pipe drains out of your home and ensure it is draining properly.
Clean and Replace Filters
The easiest way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is by cleaning or replacing filters. Despite its importance, it is still one of the most overlooked forms of maintenance in the greater Sacramento area. You don’t need the help of Ace Plumbing Heating & Air conditioning to clean the filters or replace them if they are worn out, but if you experience any, you can always reach out. Filters need to be cleaned every once a week when the air conditioner is running. If you have replaceable filters, change them once every month.
Clean and Inspect Ductwork
Image Url: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cozy-living-room-with-sofas-and-tv-set-6316065/
Part of your initial check-up is cleaning and inspecting the ductwork that carries air from the central unit to different rooms. Central air works far better than a window unit that only cools the room it’s in. If you have this type of unit, keeping the ducts working properly helps get you the most out of your investment. Cleaning eliminates the chances of blockages that may prevent free airflow. You also need to check for leaks as they can prevent the air from getting to the places it is intended. While you can do this on your own, you may want us to help you conduct a thorough inspection of your ductwork and repair any damage before it becomes too expensive.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Image Url: https://pixabay.com/photos/thermostat-heater-air-conditioner-6078043/
A smart thermostat allows you to control your air conditioning unit from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. That means if you’re not home, you can turn on the air conditioner and begin cooling it before you arrive home. It also allows you to set and adjust temperatures automatically. You don’t have to worry about not turning it off when leaving, because you can just do it with your phone, which saves you money on utility bills.
Schedule a Professional HVAC System Tune-Up
There are plenty of tasks involved in preparing your system for the hot summer and the best thing you can do for your unit is schedule an HVAC tune-up. In case of a problem, you will have time to plan and fix the issue before the season begins.
Don’t wait until it’s sweltering hot to check your system. It’s also never too late to call Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to service and repair your system. Hire the best, hire Ace, and 916-455-4548 is the magic number!