Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for a Hot Summer

We have reached spring and summer is right on the doorstep. For many people, that means their air conditioners are about to go into heavy use. Knowing this, it’s important to make sure your air conditioner is prepared to last through the sweltering months. Consider a recent article for NJ.com titled “Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Summer.”

According to the author, “Although the dog days of summer are months away, it's never too soon to begin preparing for them. This includes taking a few simple steps to make sure your air-conditioning system is ready to properly cool your home. Begin by clearing the area around your outdoor compressor, removing leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. The space around and above the unit should be clear and uncluttered. Next, check the system's filters, typically located along the return duct. Dirty filters can block airflow and reduce system efficiency, so it's important to clean or replace them regularly, preferably every month when the system is operating. Holes or separated joints in the ductwork can also impact airflow and efficiency, so turn your system on and make sure air is flowing properly through the vents. If you suspect a leak in the ductwork, hire a professional to make the necessary repairs. Use this time to caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows. This often overlooked step will help keep cool air inside your home during warm summer months and warm air outside. It's also a good idea to add insulation around air-conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces, such as attics, crawl spaces and garages.”

Some of the suggestions include, “clean indoor and outdoor coils,” “check your system's refrigerant charge and adjust it, if necessary, to meet manufacturer specifications,” and “inspect the condensate drain for clogs that can cause water damage, affect indoor humidity levels, and breed bacteria and mold.”

If you’re looking for portable air conditioners, we’ve got you covered at AC World. Our ductless mini split air conditioner is a cost effective alternative to central air conditioning. Yes, it is slightly more than the typically wall or window air conditioner, but the minor additional cost is easily and quickly recouped in energy savings and home security. For example, since the compressor sits on the outside, the ductless mini split air conditioner is very quiet and efficient. Furthermore, they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems.

Whatever portable air conditioner needs you might have, look no further than our team at AC World!