Spring is the time to do some routine checks of your air conditioner to make sure it is ready to keep you cool as the weather here in McKinney, TX gets warmer. Here are seven vital steps to take every spring.
Central AC Units Are Always a Better Option
For efficient, all-around cooling throughout your home, central AC units are always the best choice.
If you don’t already have central air conditioning, this is a good time to think about investing.
Investing in central AC will save you money on cooling costs in the long run and make you and your family much more comfortable.
Look at Your SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Your SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, lets you know how efficient your air conditioner is. The number should be between 13 and 25, with higher numbers representing better efficiency. If the SEER is low, investing in a better unit would help save on cooling costs.
Inspect Your Refrigerant
Check the level of your refrigerant. If you notice that it is low, it’s important to have this corrected, because your AC can’t run without the proper amount of refrigerant.
If there is a refrigerant leak, it will need to be sealed. Too little refrigerant can cause your cooling system to fail eventually.
Inspect Your Thermostat
Check your thermostat to make sure it is working. If it’s a programmable thermostat, make sure you don’t need batteries.
If it’s an old-fashioned thermostat, you may want to consider upgrading it at this time.
Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is Not Frozen
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air rather than cool air, there is a good chance that it is frozen. Inspect the outside of the unit to see if you can see ice. If it isn’t cooling well, there may be ice deep inside where it can’t be seen, and this will need to be taken care of for your AC to work properly.
Taking these six vital steps will make sure you are prepared to stay cool this summer and that you don’t end up suddenly without your air conditioning working. Take the time to check these basic items, and then you’ll be ready to look forward to the warm weather.
Check Your Ducts for Tears and Wear
Inspect any ducts that you have access to and make sure there are no tears or any sign of too much wear.
When ducts become torn, air conditioning can’t move efficiently from one location to another.
Make sure ducts are sealed. Much instability comes from not doing this, like higher bills, and a hotter home.