5 Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for 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, the total electricity use for cooling U.S. households was roughly 226 billion kWh in 2019. This usage totals nearly 16% of total home electricity consumption and 6% of the total electricity consumption in the country. That makes central air conditioning maintenance one of the largest energy expenses for a typical U.S. home.
Our licensed and EPA-certified technicians have the skill set and toolset to get your repairs and installations done right the first time, every time. With over 50 years of air conditioning maintenance experience, KCR is a trusted name in residential HVAC.
What We’ll Cover:
- How to practice air conditioner safety
- How to stay safe in severe weather
- Managing humidity levels for New England summers
- The Mitsubishi mini-split difference
- Key takeaways
1) Replace old AC units with newer, efficient versions.
Put money toward a brand-new version of your AC model. Replacement costs might seem daunting, but investing in new air conditioning pays for itself in the long run. 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 HVAC.
3) Change your air filters every 6 months.
Air filters must be replaced to maintain better system operation. Dirty or clogged air filters can cause health concerns and may interrupt airflow.
Clogged air filters in your furnace could leak carbon monoxide fumes into your home. Check filters frequently and clean or replace your HVAC system 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 unit could cause irreversible damage. You don’t want your machine to break down because of preventable blockage from your patio, deck, or backyard.
5) Ensure that ports are open and clean.
A clean port additionally keeps debris from streaming through your house. Debris and dirt can quickly accumulate and be overlooked; make sure you pay attention to the surface as well as the interior of your home, and make sure your port and air filters are in good shape.
When your system is running properly, heating and cooling safety issues are often overlooked. If something went wrong, would you and your family know how to handle it? What safety measures should you take to protect your family regarding your maintenance of heating and air conditioning? Our heating and cooling repair experts outline safety tips on this page.
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How to Practice Air Conditioner Safety
Here are some crucial goals you should consider for 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 HVAC technicians can check your system for safety issues resulting from a faulty system and ensure your heating or air will be there when you need it most.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Don’t plug your air conditioner into extension cords or overloaded power strips. Always plug your system directly into a grounded outlet to reduce fire risk and ensure proper electrical flow.
Keep Units Clean and Clear
Remove dust and debris from vents and around your AC unit regularly. Blocked vents or a clogged filter can lead to overheating and increase the risk of electrical failure or poor air quality.
How to Stay Safe in Severe Weather
Here’s how to stay safe when the weather changes:
Prepare for Extreme Weather
Power failures, storms, and other disasters could occur at any time, so take precautions to familiarize yourself with how 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 home’s air conditioning maintenance and other appliances. 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.
Schedule a Professional Inspection After a Major Disaster
Floods, hurricanes, and more can affect your cooling system, resulting in unsafe operation. Following a natural disaster, inspect your residential HVAC system before turning the power back on.
Keep your AC unit running at 100%!
Managing Humidity Levels for New England Summers
Navigating the humid summers in New England requires more than just cooling the air; it involves managing indoor humidity to maintain comfort and health. High humidity levels can make even moderately warm days feel uncomfortable and can contribute to mold and mildew growth inside your home.
One effective approach is using an AC system with built-in dehumidification. Many modern air conditioners reduce humidity without overcooling your home. This balance can improve comfort while lowering energy use.
Regular maintenance also helps your system remove moisture efficiently. Technicians should clean the evaporator and condenser coils and check the drainage system for blockages.
A whole-home dehumidifier can support your AC system and maintain balanced humidity throughout the house. This option is especially useful in basements, where dampness often collects.
Controlling indoor humidity reduces discomfort and limits health risks linked to excess moisture. It also makes your home feel more comfortable during sticky New England weather.
Discover the Mitsubishi Difference
If you’re looking to upgrade your cooling system, it might be time to consider a Mitsubishi air conditioner. These sleek, efficient systems are a top choice for homeowners and businesses alike, offering both performance and reliability in one compact package.
A Mitsubishi ductless unit is ideal for homes without existing ductwork or for those adding rooms like sunrooms, basements, or additions. It offers precise climate control in each zone and operates quietly—making it perfect for bedrooms, offices, and even commercial settings.
For larger spaces, the Mitsubishi commercial mini split provides a powerful solution that can cool multiple zones with just one outdoor unit. These systems are built for energy efficiency and long-term durability, helping you reduce monthly utility bills while maintaining comfort all year long.
Because ductless air conditioner systems are more accessible and contain fewer parts than traditional central HVAC systems, they’re also easier to maintain. And if anything does go wrong, KCR’s air conditioning repair service technicians are trained and certified to keep your Mitsubishi system running smoothly.
Whether you’re retrofitting an older building or looking for a smarter way to cool a new space, Mitsubishi ductless systems offer a flexible, eco-conscious option worth exploring.
Key Takeaways
- Replacing an outdated AC unit can improve efficiency, comfort, and long-term energy savings.
- Programmable thermostats help reduce unnecessary cooling when no one is home.
- Clean air filters support healthy airflow and help prevent strain on your HVAC system.
- Outdoor units need clear airflow, shade, and protection from leaves, branches, and other debris.
- Open, clean vents help distribute cool air evenly throughout your home.
- Professional air conditioning maintenance can identify electrical, airflow, and safety problems before they become expensive repairs.
- Surge protectors and proper circuit use can help protect your system during outages and severe weather.
- Controlling indoor humidity reduces discomfort and helps limit mold and mildew growth.
- Whole-home dehumidifiers can support your AC system during humid New England summers.
- Mitsubishi ductless systems offer quiet operation, zoned comfort, flexible installation, and strong energy efficiency.
KCR: The Leader in Home Comfort Since 1973
Your HVAC maintenance appointments should work around your schedule. For over 50 years, KCR Inc. has helped homes and businesses choose the right air conditioning unit and walk-in cooler repair. We’re proud to provide our customers with peace of mind and energy efficiency for their commercial refrigeration and Mitsubishi air conditioning repair.
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