AC Repair

5 Tips to Maximize the Performance of Your AC System This Summer

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The air conditioner has a lot of different parts and complexities, which can determine how well it operates. The maintenance and care it receives also influence its performance and if it needs air conditioning repair. If you want to stay cool during the summer, there are a few ways to boost the performance of your AC.

1. Schedule a Tune-Up

Hire a professional technician from a company like Atlantic Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to perform an AC service tune-up of your air conditioner before the summer season arrives. This will include replacing, cleaning, and repairing some of the parts. The individual will also be able to check for potential issues that are developing to ensure they’re immediately fixed, which can prevent them from breaking down when the temperatures rise.

2. Replace the AC Filter

Many people forget to replace the air conditioner filter every few months, which can cause it to work hard than necessary to operate. A new filter will encourage better airflow and will reduce your energy usage as the appliance operates more efficiently. This can also increase the lifespan of the parts because they won’t suffer from strain when the AC filter is clogged and dirty. It can also help you to avoid AC repair in the future.

3. Adjust the Termostat

Adjust the thermostat and increase it by a few degrees, which will prevent your AC from working harder to operate and will still allow the interior of your home to be cool. This will allow you to save money and energy while avoiding too much use of the appliance throughout the season.

4. Fix Leaks

Perform an inspection of the building to determine where drafts and leaks are present, which can allow warm air into the home and can cause cool air to escape. Sealing the drafts around doors and windows will contain the cool air in the building and will make it easier for the AC system to do its job without needing AC repair. Sealing the drafts will also reduce your energy usage and allow you to spend less on your energy bill during the warmer months of the year.

5. Cover the Windows

Consider covering the windows in each room of the home to prevent heat from transferring into the building. Clothes the blinds and shut the curtains, which will keep the air cool inside the home. You can open all of the window coverings when the temperatures drop in the evenings during the day to reduce the risk of needing air conditioning service by reducing your usage of the appliance.

6. Avoid Using the Oven

Avoid using your oven or stovetop when you need to cook and prepare meals, which will cause a significant amount of heat to be released into the building as the appliances are in use. Grill outdoors if you need to cook meat and stick to cooler dishes that don’t require using heat. This will help you rely less on your AC and can reduce the risk of needing air conditioning repair because it’ll be operating less frequently.

Feel free to contact our team today to learn more about the air conditioning service we offer and how to increase the performance of your AC during the summer. Our team can answer your questions and help you schedule an AC service appointment.

AC Repair Preventive Tips to Apply

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Have you been plagued with the headache of constantly calling your AC repairman? Is your repair bill soaring to new heights every time it breaks down during the summer heatwaves? Perhaps it’s time to take a few preventative steps and give yourself some relief.

An AC unit can last a long time if it’s maintained properly. A well-maintained AC unit consistently produces cold air, decreases the chance of damage to the equipment, and saves you money. Here are some tips to ensure your AC is operating at its best.

1. Change the Air Filter

Air filters are one of the easiest things to forget about, but they can be one of the most important. Dirty filters increase your energy consumption by forcing the AC to work harder to produce the same amount of cold air. A clean filter will also prolong the life of your AC unit since it won’t have to work as hard.

To change your air filter, turn off the power to your unit and remove the old filter. Depending on what type of filter you have, vacuum it, or shake out any particles that didn’t come loose during vacuuming.

2. Remove Dust and Debris

Dust and debris can accumulate in the fins of your AC’s condenser and clog it. Over time, this can reduce the airflow caused by your unit, causing it to wear out faster or even stop cooling altogether. Turn off the power to your unit and remove the front grille to clean these fins. Use an easy-reach tool such as a paintbrush or a broom handle to gently sweep away any debris along the surface of each fin.

3. Inspect the Refrigerant Lines

System pressure is a primary measure of the health of your AC unit in Newport News VA. You should keep it within a certain range by having your AC’s refrigerant lines looked at once a year by a professional. A refrigerant leak can cause the pressure to drop, requiring you to use more power to cool your home. If you see that there is moisture accumulating on the lines, this could indicate a leak and should be looked at as soon as possible before it leads to bigger problems down the line.

4. Buy a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly cooling costs. Consider upgrading to a programmable model if you have an old mechanical thermostat. They are easy to install, save on energy use, and are often available at a reduced cost.

5. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Your AC unit needs regular maintenance. While some of these processes can be done by yourself, it’s always good to seek outside help from an HVAC professional. For example, check your AC unit’s condition once a year by scheduling an appointment with an HVAC service provider. A thorough checkup can catch problems before they become major problems. It will also reduce the cases of AC repair, saving you money and time.

Conclusion

Your AC system is a valuable part of your home that you should treat with respect. The tips listed above will help keep it running smoothly and last longer. By contacting our professionals at Newport News VA, you can get your AC unit back to normal and save money on cooling costs.