Record high temperatures in Los Banos, CA, have put undue strain on air conditioners throughout the region. As the temperatures continue to climb, you may wonder whether your cooling system can handle the stress. If you’re worried about losing your cool during a heatwave, here are three tips that will keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
Keep the Heat Out
One way to keep your cooling system running efficiently is to prevent heat from coming into your home in the first place. When the sun is out, close the blinds to keep the sun from raising the temperature in your home. The U.S. Department of Energy advises that homeowners can utilize various indoor and outdoor window treatments to prevent heat transfer. On the hottest days, limit activities that introduce heat into your home. Avoid using the oven, and turn electronics off when they are not in use.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty air filter forces your cooling system to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. Air filters that are full of debris can also reduce air quality. To minimize the strain on your air conditioner, check the filter at least once every month to detect any buildup of dirt that may occur before it puts a strain on the system. If the filter appears to be clogged, replace it with a new one.
Invest in Inspections
Many homeowners only opt to contact an air conditioning services company when something goes wrong. While it may seem like this method can reduce HVAC maintenance costs, failing to properly maintain your system tends to cost more over time by reducing efficiency and decreasing the useful life of your cooling system. Regular inspections may detect minor issues that could become serious problems needing air conditioning repair.
To minimize the strain on your air conditioner this summer, check out CEN-CAL AIR Heating and Cooling’s affordable HVAC maintenance plans.