It's vital to get your air conditioning system ready for the sweltering summer months in Indian Springs. This means more than just flipping the switch to turn the AC on; it requires a methodical inspection of the unit and a focused cleaning of all its components. The inspection should be as comprehensive as possible, paying close attention to the split system's two main components: the indoor and outdoor units. When it's safe to do so, check both for signs of fatigue (e.g., cracks or corrosion) and for just plain old dirt that's gunking up the works. The air filters must be cleaned or replaced every 1 to 3 months, and that includes doing so in late spring or early summer, because the central system you're about to rely on is going to be working very hard to keep things cool. A good rule of thumb is to check filters monthly; if you haven't done so yet in 2023, that's something you need to do very soon. Clean coils are also necessary for clean airflow to and from the system, and for improving system efficiency—not only in terms of energy usage but also in terms of how well the now-dust-free air is flowing through the now-dust-free system. Make sure that the space around your outdoor unit is clear of anything that could block airflow or heat exchange. That means no plants, no leaves, no clutter, and certainly no snow in the winter.
The regular maintenance check is a way to address the minor problems that might come up in your heating system before they develop into expensive repairs. One area often overlooked is the setting and calibration of the thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help maintain a comforting temperature in your home and an energy-efficient one, since it can automatically adjust its settings assuming the house is empty. Between now and then, listen for any strange noises or unusual smells while the system is running. You might have a motor problem, a worn part, loose parts, or even mold if it's that kind of smell. And now's a good time to schedule a professional tune-up, since the U.S. geothermal trade organization Goodman expects to send many of its 600,000 technicians to the field this month.
Getting ready for summer air conditioning is about more than just ensuring that your cooling system will function when the outdoor temperatures start to soar. It's also about something quite a bit more fundamental to your living space: energy efficiency. The first step in addressing that is also a foundational step in energy improvements: air sealing. Those who have done it know that caulking and weatherstripping around all of the doors, windows, and other penetrations into your home is a laborious task. Once you have managed to do that, the next step is to make sure that the conditioned air that you are using to cool your space is staying in the space and not pouring out into the ducts under your floor or anywhere else that isn't part of your living space.