Texas winters tend to be milder and last for shorter periods of time than winters in other parts of the country. Chances are you haven’t used your air conditioner much in the past few months, but the weather will soon start warming, and before you know it you’re going to be using your air conditioner every day to keep your home cool.
With just a few weeks of winter left to go, now is the time to dust your air conditioner off and give it a close look. Doing so will help prevent significant problems in the future, as well as ensuring that your system works as efficiently as possible this coming summer. Here are a few tips on how to do that.
Schedule a Maintenance Session
A maintenance session isn’t like a repair session, which is intended to address one specific issue. It’s more akin to a tune-up on your car: fixing all those little problems that don’t merit a professional’s attention on their own, but can result in increased wear and tear, higher bills and eventual breakdowns if left unattended.
Maintenance sessions also give the technician a chance to check for more serious problems that might be lying in wait. By spotting them early, he or she can then schedule a repair session with you to address them before they cause a breakdown. Such repairs tend to be less expensive as well, since the damage isn’t as widespread. When applied regularly over time, they can even extend the life of the unit beyond the warranty, ensuring that you get the maximum amount of value out of a very expensive investment.
Take Steps Yourself
In addition to maintenance, there are a few basic steps you can take to keep your system running at its best.
- Change the filters. Air conditioning filters need to be changed on a regular basis as they become clogged with dirt and debris. Spring makes an excellent time to do so if you haven’t already: ensuring that the filter is clean and ready to go when the temperatures start to rise. (Replacement filters can be purchased at most home improvement centers, and your technician may replace the filter as part of a maintenance session.)
- Remove any debris around the outside portion of the air conditioner, including weeds, leaves and other biological matter. They can cause problems when you turn the system back on for the summer. If you haven’t done so already, consider buying a cover for the outdoor portion of your air conditioner. You can use it in the winter to prevent leaves and other debris from building up.
- Look into upgrades for your system. If your thermostat is more than a decade old, a new one may be in order. You might also look into more extensive upgrades, such as zone control systems or dehumidifiers. Not only will they help your home stay more comfortable but they can help your air conditioner do its job more efficiently.
For top-notch air conditioning service in Richardson, TX, trust the pros at Hutchins Plumbing & Air Conditioning!
