5 Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for our Summer

With warmer weather fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of simple, cost-effective measures to upgrade your home’s air conditioning maintenance. With these tips, you can extend the life of your home cooling system without major repairs and installation.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy Information, U.S. households total electricity use for cooling was roughly 226 billion kWh in 2019. This is almost equal to 16% of total home electricity consumption and 6% of the total electricity consumption in the entire country. That makes using central air conditioning maintenance part of the largest energy expense for a typical U.S. home.

Our licensed and EPA-certified technicians have the skill set and tool set to get your repairs and installations done right the first time, every time. With over 40 years in air conditioning maintenance, KCR is a trusted name in the HVAC industry.

1) Replace old AC units with newer, efficient versions.

Put money toward a brand new version of your AC model. Replacement costs might appear daunting, but in the future, the investment pays for itself. KCR’s catalog includes brands, models, and sizes for every household.

2) Buy a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats let you control your HVAC units when you’re not there. Mitsubishi ductless systems or Honeywell TrueHOME thermostats are some of the most popular brands in our catalog for residential use.

3) Change your air filters every 6 months.

Air filters must be replaced to market a better system operation. Dirty or clogged air filters bring about well-being concerns as well as may cause an interrupt in the airflow.

Clogged air filters in your furnace could result in carbon monoxide fumes leaking into your home. Check filters frequently, cleaning or replacing them at least every three months.

4) Shield your HVAC unit from debris and sunlight.

Nevertheless, note that shrubbery will hinder the system’s operation. Branches or leaves that enter the machine and could result in irreversible damage.

5) Ensure that ports are open and clean.

A port that is clean additionally keeps debris from streaming during your house. Debris and dirt can quickly roll up and could be overlooked; make sure you give attention to the surface in addition to the interior of your residence and make sure your port and air filters have been in good shape.

Heating and cooling safety issues are often overlooked when your system is running properly. If something went wrong, would you and your family know how to handle it? What safety measures should you have in place for protecting your family when it comes to your heating and air conditioning maintenance? Our heating and cooling repair experts outline safety tips on this page.

Room Air Conditioning Units

Here are a few comprehensive guidelines on air conditioner placement and operation:

The unit should be level when installed, so that the inside drainage system and other mechanisms operate efficiently. If possible, install the unit in a shaded spot on your home’s north or east side. Direct sunshine on the unit’s outdoor heat exchanger decreases efficiency by as much as 10%. You can plant trees and shrubs to shade the air conditioner, but do not block the airflow.
Set the fan speed on high, except on very humid days. When humidity is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. The low speed on humid days will cool your home better and will remove more moisture from the air because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment.
Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing electricity use.
Set your air conditioner’s thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. And don’t set your thermostat at a slighter setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
Don’t place lamps or televisions near your air conditioning unit’s thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Air Conditioning Safety

Here are some crucial goals you should consider about air conditioning maintenance:

Designate family friendly areas – Block children and pets from accessing rooms that contain air conditioning controls to prevent potentially dangerous accidents from electrical outlets and heavy equipment.
Schedule annual professional maintenance – Leave your air conditioning maintenance to the professionals. Professional technicians can check your system for safety issues that could result from a faulty system and ensure your heating or air will be there for you when you need it most.

Stay Safe in Severe Weather

Here’s how to stay safe when the weather changes:

Prepare – Power failures, storms, and other disasters could occur at any time, so take precautions to familiarize yourself with the way components in your home, such as your heating and air system, function to increase your safety and comfort.
Practice electrical safety – Educate yourself and older family members on how to operate circuit breaker controls for your air conditioning maintenance and other appliances in your home. Turn off circuit breakers during a power outage to prevent harmful spikes in electricity that could occur when power comes back on.
Install surge protectors – Installing a surge protector on your air conditioning system protects expensive equipment when you are away. A surge protector will automatically shut down power to your system if an electrical spike occurs.
Have your system professionally inspected following a major disaster – Floods, hurricanes, and more can affect your cooling system, resulting in unsafe operation. Following the event of a natural disaster, have your system professionally inspected before turning the power back on.

KCR: The Leader in Home Comfort Since 1980

For a dedicated inspection of your air conditioning maintenance, contact KCR today. We’re dedicated to the safety of your household, with expert, reliable service you can count on.

From selection to installation, KCR Inc. is committed to home comfort. Contact us for an air conditioning checkup before the next heat wave hits.