Can your air conditioner handle the heat that’s coming this summer? Perhaps you’re staying home and want to make sure your house will be comfortably cool. Or maybe you’re going away on vacation and need to prepare your AC, making sure there are no unexpected problems while you’re away. Either way, we’ve got some handy tips to help you get your air conditioner ready for summer.

Check your filters

Dirty or clogged air filters make your air conditioner work much harder than it needs to. This will make it work less effectively and will raise your energy bills. Check your air filters now and clean or replace them if needed, especially if you’re going away for the summer.

Adjust the thermostat

If you’re in the house, you’ll want to make sure that your thermostat is set to a temperature that will be comfortable for you and your family. If you’re going on vacation, you probably want to leave the AC running so your house doesn’t get too hot, but you can raise the temperature a little so that your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool an empty house. A programmable thermostat is great to have when you’re away, helping you save on heating and cooling costs when they’re not necessary.

Remove debris

Check the outdoor condenser unit for any debris. Things like grass, sticks, and leaves can build up around the unit, blocking the air flow and causing problems for your HVAC system. Clear anything from the top of the outdoor unit, remove any debris from around it, and cut back the grass and any shrubs nearby.

Check your insulation

The pipes that carry coolant from the evaporator to the condenser must be properly insulated. Check the pipes outside to see if the foam insulation is properly covering the pipes and is not missing or damaged. Replace the insulation if needed or call an HVAC technician to do the job for you.

Schedule maintenance

It’s always a good idea to schedule maintenance and any necessary repairs before you have to rely on your air conditioner. Call an HVAC technician to service your AC before the temperatures rise or before you leave for your summer vacation. Maintaining the unit now is better than facing costly repairs and an overheated house once you get back.

Prepare your home and HVAC for the summer. If you need HVAC repair or maintenance in Winston Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Advance, and surrounding communities in the Piedmont Triad, then get in touch with AC Express today.