Living in the desert comes along with a series of unique challenges. One of the most crucial is dealing with the scorching hot summer heat. A spring AC tune-up is one of the best ways to prepare your air conditioning system for its long summertime run.
1. Replace Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter is your first line of defense against unwanted airborne toxins. With dust, sand, and pollen being constant concerns in a desert climate, you need a well-functioning air filter. Air filters that become clogged with debris have several problems. They’ll reduce airflow throughout your system, strain your HVAC unit, and increase your energy bills.
It’s a good idea to check the state of your air filter at the beginning of the spring season. You can check it by holding it up to a light. If you can’t see through the filter, that means you need to replace it with a new one. Due to the unique desert conditions of fine dust particles, it’s recommended to choose a high-efficiency filter. These are typically rated from 11 to 13 on the MERV scale.
Throughout the summer months, it’s important to check the state of your filter every month. Always have a spare filter on hand so that you can replace it whenever necessary. Most homeowners find that they need to replace their filter every one to two months.
2. Program Your Thermostat
It’s best to get your thermostat programmed and ready to go before you need to start using your air conditioning system. This will ensure that you can maximize your energy savings throughout the long summer season. Start by switching your thermostat from heating to cooling mode and ensure that your blower fan is set to auto.
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, you may want to consider investing in one. These allow you to have the basic features of programmable thermostats with a lot of added options that enhance convenience. Ideally, you want to set your thermostat to turn down at the hours when you’re away from your home, like when you’re at work. If you purchase a smart thermostat with geofencing technology, it can automatically make adjustments for you.
3. Clean Vents and Condenser Unit
You want to set your air conditioning system up to have optimal airflow throughout the entire summer. This will ensure efficient system operation and optimal comfort for you and your family. Start by checking all of your interior vents and registers. You want to ensure that each one is fully open and free from any obstructions. If there’s any dust or debris on the grates of the vent, be sure to clean them.
Additionally, you want to clean around your outdoor condenser unit. If there’s any buildup of debris around it, it can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. Aim to have around three feet of open space around your entire condenser unit. You may want to consider installing a windbreak about three feet out from your unit that can stop blowing debris. This can decrease the number of times that you need to clean around your condenser unit to ensure optimal system efficiency.
4. Seal Up Air Leaks
It’s common for air leaks to open up on the exterior walls of your home. These can happen at door and window frames as well as at outlets and light switches. Anywhere that outside air is allowed to penetrate your home, it can increase your home’s temperature. Furthermore, it can allow unwanted airborne contaminants to enter your home.
A proactive step to prevent this is to seal up those air leaks. You can identify the air leaks by running your hand over these locations on the wall. If you notice a difference in temperature, then there’s a leak. You can use products like spray foam or weather stripping to seal up the leaks. This will ensure optimal system efficiency and prevent unwanted airborne contaminants from entering your home through these locations.
5. Schedule Professional Service
One of the absolute best things you can do when it comes to spring AC maintenance is to schedule professional service. This is where one of our technicians comes out and does an in-depth maintenance service on your entire system. During this appointment, they will clean, inspect, lubricate, and test all components.
This is great for catching problems like worn-out or malfunctioning components. By replacing them during our maintenance service, we can minimize your risk of experiencing a major breakdown. The service is also necessary to maintain your warranty coverage. It’s great for ensuring efficient and safe system operation throughout the summer season.
6. Consider Duct Cleaning
With the fine particulate matter desert homeowners deal with, it’s pretty common for airborne toxins to accumulate in your ductwork. This affects you in two different ways. First, it decreases your indoor air quality. Second, it restricts airflow through your ducting, which will reduce system efficiency. This can lead to an uncomfortable indoor environment.
A great way to combat this buildup of particulate matter in your ducting is with a duct cleaning service. This is where one of our professionals will come out and thoroughly clean the inside of all your ducts. You may want to consider pairing this with a duct sealing service to seal up any air leaks in your ductwork.
7. Switch Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans are one of the absolute best ways to enhance your household comfort while reducing your energy bills. You want to ensure that you set your fans to spin in a counterclockwise direction. This allows the fan to push air downward to create a wind-chill effect on your body. This works to wick away sweat and cool you down naturally.
You should have ceiling fans in all the major rooms of your home to help boost your comfort. You’ll likely find that when you’re running your ceiling fans, you can set your AC thermostat higher while still being comfortable. This can lead to a lot of energy savings throughout the long summer season in the desert.
8. Consider an Upgrade
In general, most central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems last about 15 to 20 years. Standard heat pumps have a usable lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, assuming they receive proper care and upkeep. If your air conditioning system is nearing the end of its usable lifespan, you may want to consider upgrading before the summer. This will ensure that your system is operating as efficiently as possible to provide enhanced comfort for you and your family.
9. Consider IAQ Solutions
If another member of your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, you may want to consider IAQ solutions. These indoor air quality products work to boost the quality of the air in your home so that you experience fewer symptoms. Whole-home air purification systems and UV lighting are great options for any household.
Get Exceptional AC Maintenance Service
General Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides exceptional AC maintenance throughout the Greater Coachella Valley area. We can also help with all your AC installation, replacement, and repair needs. Simply our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful cooling technicians.
