Air Conditioner Repair: 5 Ways To Prep Your AC For The Summer Heat | Scottsdale, AZ
When winter ends and the weather starts to heat up in Scottsdale, AZ, many homeowners begin the annual spring cleaning ritual to help keep their homes in good condition. That can include washing windows, vacuum cleaning drapes & carpets, and dusting away winter cobwebs. However, most people overlook the maintenance of one of the essential appliances in their home – the air conditioner.
While it may seem like your AC unit will pick up where it left off after being idle all winter, that’s not always the case. Your AC requires servicing by a licensed air conditioner repair company to get it ready for the hot weather. Prepping your AC for summer can help you avoid costly breakdowns and keep your family cool & comfortable all season long.
5 Ways to Prep Your AC for the Summer Heat
Before summer starts, it’s great to take proactive steps to ensure that your air conditioner is in top condition. Here are 5 ways to prep your AC for the Scottsdale, AZ summer heat:
#1. Schedule a Tune-up With an AC Repair Contractor
Like your car needs regular tune-ups to run smoothly, your AC unit needs to be serviced yearly to ensure it runs at peak efficiency. During an AC tune-up, your air conditioner repair technician will check the unit from top to bottom, looking for any potential problems. They’ll also take care of things such as:
- Replace faulty or damaged electrical parts
- Cleaning the condenser coils
- Checking for any leaks
- Flushing the drain
- Adding Freon
Annual maintenance procedures can help prevent major issues down the road or catch problems while they’re still small and easy to fix.
#2. Clean or Replace AC Filters
One of the simplest—and most effective—ways to keep your system running perfectly is to clean or replace the filters every few months. The air conditioner’s air filter helps trap harmful contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet dander so that they don’t circulate throughout your home.
However, over time, the filter can become clogged with these contaminants. Consequently, the clog restricts airflow, making the unit work harder. This not only raises your energy bills but also leads to costly repairs. Therefore, checking the filter before summer begins can help determine if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
#3. Check for Visibly Dirty Vents
A common problem during the winter is that dirt and dust can accumulate on your vents, which can then blow into your home when you turn on your furnace. While nothing matches a full air duct cleaning service done by an experienced air conditioner repair pro, you can help reduce the amount of dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that gets into your vents.
Remove the vent covers, vacuum out any accumulated dirt and dust, and then put them back in place. While most homeowners don’t realize their AC vents might be partially or completely blocked, opening and cleaning them up can help you improve airflow and your overall indoor comfort.
#3. Trim Trees & Bushes Near Your Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit needs unobstructed airflow to work correctly. Trees, bushes, or other plants growing too close to the AC unit can block airflow and cause it to cool your home inappropriately.
Trimming back any foliage too close to the unit can help improve airflow and prevent your AC from overworking. Just be careful not to damage the unit when trimming back foliage, and always consult with an air conditioner repair if you’re unsure about how to proceed.
#4. Seal Up Any Cracks or Gaps Around Your Home
During the winter, cracks and gaps can form around your home. These cracks and crevices can let in outside air, making your AC unit strain to keep your home cool.
To help improve your AC’s efficiency, seal up any cracks or gaps around your home before summer begins. This simple fix can significantly affect how well your AC unit works and how much money you spend on energy bills.
#5. Schedule Professional Repairs
Even if you get an annual AC tune-up, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong with your unit. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call an air conditioner repair technician:
- Your AC unit is leaking water
- Your air conditioner makes way too much noise
- The AC unit isn’t cooling your home evenly
- The air conditioner is blowing warm air
- AC thermostat is not working
- Strange smells from the AC unit
- AC breaks down frequently
If you notice any of these problems—or any other issues not listed here— don’t hesitate to call an air conditioner repair technician. The sooner you get the issue fixed, the better.
What Are the Benefits of AC Maintenance and Repair?
You may wonder if it’s worth getting your AC unit checked out by an air conditioner repair technician regularly. The truth is that regular AC maintenance can benefit you in many ways, including:
- Air conditioner repair saves you money: It’s much cheaper to fix a small problem before it becomes a large, expensive one.
- Lower energy bills: A well-maintained air conditioner will run more efficiently and use less energy, saving you money on your monthly energy bills.
- Longer AC lifespan: Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit, so you won’t have to replace it as often.
- Improved indoor air quality: A well-maintained AC unit will help improve the air quality in your home, making it healthier for you and your family to breathe.
- Better comfort: A properly functioning air conditioner will keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the year’s hottest months.
If you need AC maintenance or air conditioner repair in Scottsdale, AZ, call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix at 480-374-5773 today. We’ll get out to you as soon as possible and solve your problem so that you can get cool again in no time!
