The weather is warming up and summer will be here before we know it. There is nothing worse than yourAC failing in the middle of summer! There are things you can do before summer arrives to make sure your AC doesn’t fail in the middle of the fierce, Virginia Beach summer heat.
Preparing Your AC for Summer
Clear Obstructions
For your unit to work efficiently, it needs to be able to pull air in. The first thing you will want to do before switching your AC on is to make sure the unit outside is clear of obstruction. Check that nothing is covering or surrounding your unit.
Hose Off Your Unit
Use your hose to wash out the unit, clear any sand, dirt, or dead vegetation from the unit. You will want to make sure your unit is switched off and give it plenty of time to dry out completely before you switch your AC on.
Change Your Air Filter
A dirty filter can hinder the air flow and cause blockages that will eventually cause trouble with your AC unit. A dirty filter can also block air flow which will stop your home from cooling down properly. Your filter should be changed at least every 3 months, more so if you have pets. It is a good idea to change your air filter out at the beginning of each new season.
Check Your Thermostat
Be sure that your thermostat is functioning properly. If your thermostat is broken or not working well then it is likely your AC won’t work. You may also want to consider switching over to a programmable thermostat before summer arrives. Programmable thermostats can help you reduce your electricity usage and costs. We offer HVAC services in Virginia Beach, so call us to have your thermostat inspected or switched out.
Schedule AC Maintenance
Having a professional come in the spring to check and service your HVAC system can prevent problems from arising in the dead of summer. A professional will come out to your home and inspect your unit, and they will also clean and tune up your AC so it runs smoothly. Doing this before summer arrives will give you confidence that when you switch on your AC on that first hot day in VA Beach, it will work.
Is It Time to Replace Your AC?
If your unit has exceeded its general life span it may be time to consider installing a new unit. This can save you money in the long run as new AC units are made to use less electricity yet will cool your house more efficiently. Our HVAC specialists can come out and check your unit to let you know if it may be time to make an upgrade, or we may suggest maintenance that will help your existing unit run for a few more years.
Having your AC unit serviced before summer arrives will let you power through the season with a cool house, and it can also prevent costly emergency calls being made when your AC system fails. Contact us today for HVAC services in Virginia Beach at American Mechanical Inc.