While time off from school and beach vacations might be the highlights of summer, air conditioning is the season’s unsung hero. You’ll rely on this appliance more in the coming months than you will all year, and it must be in pristine condition to keep your household comfortable. That’s why River Valley Air Conditioning is dedicated to educating their customers on HVAC maintenance essentials. From locations in Needles, CA, and Kingman, AZ, they offer these three valuable tips.

How to Take Care of Your Air Conditioning Unit in the Summer 

1. Change the Filter

In the springtime, there’s an abundance of pollen and other allergens floating around outside. Eventually, those irritants make their way inside and get caught in your air filters. In addition, dirt, dust, and pet dander will accumulate in these screens. If the filters aren’t replaced before the hottest months of summer, the contaminants will recirculate throughout your home and irritate your family’s respiratory systems. Plus, the dirty screens will block airflow, straining your air conditioning system and reducing its efficiency. Swapping out or cleaning dirty air filters will prevent premature breakdowns in the middle of summer and purify your indoor air.

2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

If you haven’t checked on your outdoor unit in a while, now is the perfect time to do so. Start by clearing the area around the metal box of twigs, branches, and overgrown plants. These can block airflow and may cause the unit to overheat. If you can access the condenser coils, clean these with a brush, compressed air can, or a damp cloth. Much like dirty air filters, grimy coils will prevent your air conditioning unit from functioning properly and impact its overall efficiency.

3. Schedule a Tuneup

While you can take care of a few air conditioning maintenance tasks on your own, some responsibilities should be reserved for professionals. If you’re experiencing poor airflow, paying high energy bills, or hearing strange noises, call a professional as soon as possible. They can open up your unit, see if there are any malfunctioning parts, and replace them quickly and safely. That way, you can continue to enjoy a cool home all summer long.

To schedule your tuneup appointment, contact River Valley Air Conditioning today. They are proud to have been serving the Tri-State area since 1955. You can reach their Kingman location at (928) 718-2520 and their Needles location at (760) 326-3020. Whether your home requires air purification solutions or a new unit, they will come prepared and won’t leave until you’re satisfied. Visit the website for more information on their capabilities.