Sterling, VA has hot, humid summers. Protecting your AC in the summer is of the utmost importance for extending its lifespan. Regular maintenance and smart usage habits will improve its performance, so you stay more comfortable without skyrocketing your cooling costs.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
The purpose of a filter on the air conditioner is to trap dust and allergens before they enter the system. You don’t want debris to block the flow of air because it strains the compressor, fan motor and internal components. The AC will not only use more energy when it has a clogged filter, but it may also cause premature repairs and breakdowns.
The best way to stay on top of filter changes is to check yours once a month. If it’s dirty, clean or replace it. Your whole home will enjoy better airflow and cleaner air when you keep the filter clean. If you have furry pets in your home, you should check the filter every two weeks.
Clean the Condenser Coils
The outdoor part of the AC, which houses the compressor, also has condenser coils. Over time, grass clippings, dirt and other debris will collect on these coils and disrupt their ability to release heat. This makes the AC much less efficient and causes it to work harder than necessary. Cleaning the coils in early summer is a great way to ensure they can fully release heat and maintain proper airflow.
To clean the coils, you simply turn off the power and rinse them with a garden hose. Just be careful not to bend the fins because this can lead to restricted airflow and reduced performance. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always schedule a maintenance appointment with us, and we’ll clean them for you.
Seal Air Leaks
If it’s been more than a year since you sealed all air gaps around doors and windows, it’s time to do it again. You don’t want conditioned air escaping through these holes or warm outdoor air to seep into the house. Both of these scenarios make the AC use more energy and wear out its parts faster. We suggest sealing the air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to achieve the best efficiency.
Fixing air leaks in your ductwork is just as important as sealing windows and doors. But this isn’t something you may feel comfortable doing yourself. We can do a duct inspection to find and fix all problem areas, so you don’t have to worry about lost airflow or energy waste.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Most modern homes are already using programmable thermostats, but if yours isn’t, now is the perfect time to do an upgrade. Programmable versions let you set cooling schedules based specifically on your unique routine. This type of cooling does much more than save money on cooling costs — it also reduces wear on the AC to help it last longer and perform better.
If you want to sync your thermostat with your phone or voice assistant, we recommend upgrading your home with a smart thermostat. You can easily adjust settings and monitor energy use so the whole house has optimal comfort and efficiency year-round.
Adjust Ceiling Fans
Even though ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, they do create a breeze effect. As the blades spin, they circulate air in a way that helps you feel cooler. But the blades must rotate in the right direction (counterclockwise) to provide proper airflow during warmer months. If you haven’t adjusted the fans since the winter, take a moment to reverse the blade direction so it helps cool each room efficiently.
Wipe Down All Air Vents
As time passes, lots of dust and dirt will collect on air vents. Wiping them down once a month is a great way to ensure the buildup doesn’t block airflow or cause problems with system efficiency.
Book a Professional Tune-Up
Even if your system appears to run fine, it still needs a professional tune-up each year. We’ll carefully inspect all parts to make sure they don’t have damage or excessive wear. Wiping down the coils, fan blades and housing will boost the system’s efficiency by improving airflow. Lubricating the motor and moving parts reduces friction, so the system doesn’t experience unnecessary strain. The AC will last longer and perform better, even during the hottest weather.
John Nugent & Sons is here to answer any questions you have about your air conditioner. Our maintenance plans make it simple to avoid costly breakdowns that can hurt your comfort and your wallet.
Contact John Nugent & Sons now to book a professional AC tune-up in Sterling.