A/C Tips for keeping cool all summer

With the mercury rising each day, air conditioning maintenance becomes an essential yet often overlooked part of home ownership. Performing routine maintenance can improve an air conditioning system’s efficiency, save on utility costs, help avoid potential breakdowns, and extend the overall life of the system.


To help consumers add years to the life of their air conditioning system, we suggest the following tips for keeping cool this summer:



1. Change the Filter – Dirty air filters are the No. 1 preventable cause of a system breakdown. When the air filter becomes clogged, the unit can’t produce enough airflow, which results in a lower volume of air and the system working harder. Clean filters allow the system to run more efficiently thus reducing operating costs.

2. Call for an Annual Check-up – To ensure proper and efficient operation, the system should be serviced by a qualified service technician at the beginning of each cooling season. Servicing allows the technician to identify and eliminate any concerns, should they exist, thereby helping to prevent more costly repairs if those concerns are not addressed.

3. Keep the Unit Clean and Clear – One of the most important thing a homeowner can do for the health of a unit is keep the outside air conditioning unit clear of debris. Always keep the area around the condensing unit clear of weeds and plants. Allow proper clearance around all sides of the unit to be sure it can breathe properly.

4. Set it and Forget It – Programmable thermostats ensure the air conditioner operates only when necessary to maintain a steady temperature, which prevents it from running constantly and helps conserve energy. Many new thermostats also have service reminders that alert the homeowner when maintenance is needed. These state-of-the-art features can help prolong the life of a system.

5. Replace a System That’s Past its Prime – While a annual check-up by a licensed professional can extend the life of an air conditioner and help save on repairs and energy costs, if the system is 12 to 15 years old, it’s time to consider replacing the system. Maintenance and repairs on older systems can be expensive and they don’t operate as efficiently, whereas a new system will be more energy efficient and could save hundreds of dollars on energy bills.