Throughout the warm months, you’ll likely run your air conditioner frequently to keep your indoor areas cool and comfortable. Before turning your cooling unit on for the first time, there are a handful of inspection and maintenance tasks you should perform to ensure efficiency and prevent breakdowns. The guide below provides tips on how you can prepare your air conditioner for summer. 

4 Steps to Take Before Powering Your A/C During Summer

1. Check Ductwork 

Ductwork delivers air from the handler to the rooms of your home. Since ducts expand when temperatures rise and contract when they fall, the tubes may lose sealant and develop gaps between the wall, causing the handler to use more power to blow more cool air. Prevent elevated energy expenses by checking the ducts for gaps and sealing them. 

2. Replace the Filter 

Filters remove dirt, dust, pollen, and pet dander from the intake air before cooling and recirculating it throughout your space. When the filter becomes saturated with debris, your HVAC system will work harder to pull in air, use more energy, and drive up your bills. Prevent this by swapping out the filter before summer, and change it once per month thereafter. 

3. Upgrade the Thermostat

Traditional thermostats cool your entire residence according to the temperature you set, which may take several hours, depending on the starting temperature of your home. Keep your system from running too frequently and wasting energy by upgrading to a programmable thermostat that permits you to fine-tune the settings and set timers. 

4. Schedule Professional Services 

Make an appointment with an HVAC contractor for inspection and maintenance services leading up to the summer. They’ll remove obstructions, recalibrate your thermostat, and clear your ductwork to maximize efficiency and keep utility bills to a minimum. They’ll also provide any necessary HVAC repairs. 

Keep your air conditioner operational and energy-efficient with help from the team at Bradford & Sons Electrical Plumbing & Heating. They offer heating and air conditioning installations, replacements, maintenance, and repairs to residents in Canandaigua, NY. Call (585) 657-7309 to book an appointment for HVAC repairs and visit the website to learn more about their services.