In the thick of summer, few household appliances are used more than your air conditioner. For it to live up to the task of keeping your home cool and comfortable all season long, it needs to be in great condition. According to the experts at Allen Service Company, serving Pell City and the surrounding areas in Alabama, protecting the unit starts with basic at-home maintenance. The HVAC service team is here to explain how best to care for it when it heats up outside.

3 Ways to Keep Your HVAC System in Great Condition During the Summer

1. Protect the Exterior Condenser

In order for the air conditioner to properly cool your home, the outdoor condenser needs to be free of obstructions. When you cut the grass, make sure the mower isn’t pointed in the direction of the unit. That could cause clippings, leaves, and other debris to lodge inside the condenser, which in turn could restrict airflow. You can also rinse the coils with a hose to minimize dirt buildup. This prevents the system from working harder than necessary to cool your home and driving your energy bills up.

2. Insulate Your System From Storms

Summertime thunderstorms accompanied by intense heat and humidity aren’t uncommon in Alabama. To remain safe, it’s best to turn the unit off when there’s a storm. A jolt of electricity could otherwise cause damage to the system, which isn’t equipped to handle such large surges. If the circuits are affected, it could lead to costly air conditioning repairs or even a replacement in more severe cases. Bear in mind that standard surge protectors aren’t designed to accommodate HVAC systems. HVAC service professionals can suggest specialized products specifically meant to safeguard against power disruptions and electrical damage.

3. Let the System Breathe

Heat is just as oppressive for the unit as it is for you! Allow the system to breathe by clearing the area around the outdoor condenser. There should be at least two feet of clear space on each side to prevent it from overheating. Shading the unit from ultraviolet rays may also prevent air conditioning repairs and frequent HVAC service calls throughout the season. 

If your air conditioner needs some attention, you can trust the team at Allen Service Company to address all of your concerns. Whether it’s a compromised condenser or a unit that seems to run constantly without cooling your home efficiently, the problem is no match for these HVAC service professionals. With nearly 40 years of experience, they know the ins and outs of AC and heating services, and they can detect and fix any issues. Visit their website to learn more about them, or call them at (205) 338-2311 to schedule an appointment.