Avoid AC Issues this Summer with These Simple Tips!

Summers in South Carolina are often hot, humid, and, without a properly
working air conditioner, pretty miserable. If you want to make sure that
your HVAC system works reliably and efficiently all summer long, there
are a few simple steps you can take to make sure it’s ready for
the hottest season of the year. These at-home
AC maintenance tips can help you enjoy a cool, comfortable home or workplace, no matter
the weather outside!

Understanding HVAC Systems & How They Work

HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.”While HVAC systems and the term “air condition” have some things in common, HVAC refers to a broader range of climate control and ventilation systems in your home. Your thermostat, furnace, condensing unit (typically located outside the home), vents, and refrigerant lines are all part of your home’s HVAC system.

From a technical standpoint, there are several types HVAC systems available to you. These include heating and AC split systems, duct-free split systems,zoned systems, and systems with humidity control. The key is finding a
system that meets your specific needs, so get in touch with the heating
and air conditioning experts at Preferred Home Services or
learn more about the installation process.

Check the Filter & Clean or Replace It as Needed

This is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do for your air conditioning
system. With continued use, AC filters quickly become dusty, dirty, and
clogged. This restricts air flow, reducing the cooling power of your air
conditioner. It’s a good idea to check your HVAC system’s
filter sometime in the spring, before summer really gets underway. Depending
on the type of AC system you have, you may need to change the filter once
a month, once every six months, or once a year. Regardless, checking the
filter before summer starts can help you determine if it needs to be cleaned
or replaced.

Check for Visibly Dirty Vents

Another common issue that affects air conditioning efficiency is clogged
or dirty vents. While nothing compares to a full air duct cleaning service,
performed by an experienced HVAC professional, you can improve the efficiency
of your air conditioner by checking the vents throughout your home or
business. Look for visible dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that
may be blocking vents. Also make sure that the vents are open. While it
may seem obvious, many home and business owners don’t realize that
some of their AC vents might be partially or completely closed. Opening
them up can help you improve air flow and your overall indoor comfort.

Schedule Your Yearly Professional AC Tune-Up

By far the best way to ensure that your air conditioner continues to work
reliably all summer is to schedule an AC tune-up with a professional HVAC
technician. During our multi-point inspection, we’ll take a look
at all the components of your AC system and ensure that everything is
working as it should.

This also gives us a chance to take care of any minor repairs now before
they have a chance to develop into a major problem. Plus, we make it easy with our
Preferred Partner Plan. As a member, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits, including exclusive
discounts, priority scheduling, and more. We’ll even call you to
schedule your AC maintenance service so you don’t even have to think
about it! Learn more when you visit our Preferred Partner Plan page.

Ensure that Outdoor Areas Are Clear

If you don’t have central air conditioning but instead rely on a
different type of AC system, such as a ductless mini-split or a zoned
AC system, it’s important that you make sure the outdoor areas near
the AC unit are clean and clear of debris. Check for things like leaves,
branches, overgrown shrubbery, and other things that may be too near to
the unit. In general, you want to have a clear space of about two feet
all around the outside of your AC unit. This can help reduce the likelihood
that any debris will get inside the air conditioner and cause problems.

Maximize Your Cooling Power

One of the most common causes of air conditioner breakdowns is overuse.
Not only does running your air conditioning at full power 24/7 leave you
at risk of breakdowns, it also costs you money. There are a few things
you can do to maximize your cooling power all summer long. Invest in high-quality
window coverings, like sun-blocking shades, and be sure to keep them closed
during the brightest, hottest parts of the day. You can also use fans—both
ceiling and standing fans—to boost air flow and cool your home or
workplace more efficiently. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning
clockwise during the summer to direct cool air down and throughout each room.

Consider Upgrading Your AC

If summer is coming and you can’t stand the thought of going through
one more hot season with a less-than-fantastic air conditioning system,
you might want to consider upgrading your AC. Replacing your entire cooling
system may seem like a big (and expensive) hassle, but it can actually
save you a ton of time, money, and stress. Modern AC systems tend to be
much more energy efficient than older models, meaning you’ll likely
see lowered monthly bills and fewer breakdowns over time.

Find out more about how we can help you prepared your HVAC system for summer—call Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 for reliable AC maintenance in Charleston and the
surrounding areas!