Summer AC Prep

Getting your air conditioning system ready for summer guarantees that it will work well and that it will work efficiently. Most people don't think too much about their A/Cs—until it they REALLY NEED them. That's why this week in NoVA, we're doing a deep dive on A/C preparedness. From preventative maintenance to a thoughtful look at how long your unit is likely to last, we're covering everything you need to know to keep your cool.

Typically, air conditioner filters must be replaced every one to three months. The exact timing depends on your system, how often you use it, and environmental factors. If you live with pets or a smoker or have an otherwise dusty environment, you should be changing your filters more often—an old filter is a liability not just for the inherent poor air quality it allows but also for energy efficiency. A clean filter means the system doesn't have to work as hard, and that your energy bills may not be as high as they would otherwise.

Certain telltale signs can reveal that there is something amiss with an air conditioning system. Odd sounds while the system is running are a clear red flag. Reduced or poorly directed airflow is another key indicator. If the system is putting out little to no cold air, that is a clear indication something is not right. In some cases, an odor coming from the system can indicate a major problem. The most common culprits of odors are mold and burned-out electrical components.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the AC system are fundamental to the energy-efficient operation of the unit. Energy efficiency improves when the AC does not run constantly or when it is unnecessary. Programmable or smart thermostats can be used to better time the operation of the unit during hours of needed cooling. Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other exits can help keep cool air inside the rooms where it is needed. In addition, ceiling fans can circulate air and maintain what is known as an "updraft," which essentially keeps cool air low and disbursed throughout a room. Simple shading of the windows can also maintain a drop in temperature near the unit.

The suggested temperature for energy-efficient cooling is approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and up and about. If you're not home or are sleeping, the recommendation is to set the thermostat to 7-10 degrees warmer than the 78-degree baseline. You can program many of today's thermostats to raise the temperature while you're away and lower it again in time for you to enjoy the coolness when you return.

To begin, shut off the electricity to the unit at the circuit breaker. Ensure that there is no buildup of any kind—leaves, debris, or even vegetation—near the unit that might impede airflow. Use a soft brush or a garden hose to clean off the exterior fins; they are delicate and can be easily bent, so don't go nuts trying to clean them if they are stubborn. If you are very concerned about the quality of your unit's performance, consider springing for a professional cleaning and inspection.

A refrigerant is a fluid used in a heat pump or air conditioning system to absorb and discharge heat. When the refrigerant charge is too low, the system cannot absorb sufficient heat from inside the house, and the cooling efficiency is impaired. There are two other important aspects of this problem: One is that a low refrigerant charge can eventually lead to system failure, and the second is that any attempt to add refrigerant to the system can be dangerous if not done by an appropriately certified technician.

The average lifespan of a central air conditioning unit is 10 to 15 years, but local climate, usage, and the frequency of maintenance can either extend that lifespan or shorten it. Annual professional maintenance can definitely help; studies indicate that regular maintenance of any kind can extend the life of an appliance by 30% to 50%. If your air conditioning unit is older than 10 years and can't seem to keep your house comfortable, consider making an appointment for a professional inspection.

Certain maintenance jobs, such as filter changes and basic cleaning, can be handled by the average skillful homeowner. Many other maintenance procedures, however, are far more complex and require the kind of know-how that only comes from professional training. If you're considering some DIY maintenance on your climate control system, here are a few tasks that it's reasonable to attempt—as long as you remember to be safe and not make any repairs you're not fully confident in:1. Clean or replace the system's filters.2. Check for and clear away any debris around the outdoor unit.3. Inspect any components that are visible without undue risk.

A competent professional air conditioner tune-up combines a thorough system assessment with comprehensive preventative maintenance. Technicians can do a meticulous job of ironing out potential issues that could turn into "Oh no!" moments that require expensive repairs. The most important aspect of the tune-up is that the technician does a careful cleaning of critical components. The refrigerant levels are checked and adjusted, if necessary, and the electrical connections are tested. The tune-up, done right, ensures the optimal performance of your air conditioning system.