It’s Time to Get Ready for Summer Heat in Birmingham
Summers in Birmingham can get incredibly hot, and there will be days when it feels like your air conditioner is the only thing that can provide relief. That’s why you need to make sure that your AC system is ready for summer. Fortunately, there’s not a whole lot that you need to do to get your AC ready for the summer heat, especially if your system is in relatively good shape. Nevertheless, there are a few things that will certainly help.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
The single best thing that you can do to make sure that your AC is ready for summer is to schedule a tune-up and inspection of your system. During this tune-up, an HVAC technician will tighten loose electrical connections, inspect the blower motor, calibrate your thermostat, check your refrigerant levels, test your system’s controls, and otherwise make sure that everything is ready for the summer heat.
We recommend scheduling an AC tune-up in the early spring. Not only will that ensure that your air conditioner is ready for the summer heat, but it will also keep your systems warranty safe and, give you time to fix any problems that a technician might find during the tune-up and inspection.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
Your AC system’s air filters remove pollen and other allergens from the air as it moves through your home’s ducts. Naturally, they can get quite dirty over time, which can clog your system and negatively impact your indoor air quality. Cleaning or replacing your filters every one to three months will help keep things running smoothly, especially if you need to keep your AC turned on during a heat wave.
Check Your Outdoor Unit
If you have central air, you likely have an outdoor AC unit on your property. While an HVAC technician will likely look over the outdoor unit during an inspection and tune-up, you should still take a look at it yourself. First, make sure there’s plenty of space around it.
Remove any vegetation or debris that may have collected on or around the unit, and make sure there’s at least two feet of space surrounding it. Next, check the condenser coils. These get quite dirty over time, so wipe them down to make sure they can help you beat the summer heat.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your air conditioner won’t do you any good if you don’t set your thermostat properly. Ideally, you should have your thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer when you’re home and awake.
That might sound high for some people, but it is the most energy-efficient setting for the summer heat. It will also still feel cool compared to how hot it can get outside. You can set it for a higher temperature at night for when you’re asleep or away from home.
While we’re on the subject of thermostats, consider getting a programmable or smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. A programmable thermostat can be set to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule, while a smart thermostat can learn your cooling habits and let you make adjustments via a smartphone app when you’re away from home.
Test Your System Before Temperatures Rise
Finally, take some time to run your AC system to make sure it’s working properly before things start to really heat up for the summer. Turn it on for a few hours to make sure it’s actually lowering the temperature in your home, and listen for strange sounds such as grinding or screeching. For the most part, your AC system should be almost silent when it’s running.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating for Assistance
If you haven’t scheduled an AC system tune-up for the summer or suspect that your system needs maintenance or repairs, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Birmingham, AL. Our skilled technicians can make sure that your system is working properly and ready for summer. When you schedule an appointment with us, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
FAQ’s – AC System
When is the best time to schedule an AC tune-up?
Early spring is ideal. This gives you enough time to address any issues a technician finds before the summer heat arrives.
How often should I replace my AC air filters?
Every one to three months. If you run your system heavily during heat waves, staying on the tighter end of that schedule is a good idea.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the summer?
78°F is the recommended setting when you’re home and awake, it’s the most energy-efficient option while still keeping your home comfortably cool.
What should I check on my outdoor AC unit?
Make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around it, remove any debris or overgrown vegetation, and wipe down the condenser coils to keep the unit running efficiently.
How do I know if my AC system is working properly before summer?
Run it for a few hours and check that it’s actually cooling your home. Listen for any unusual sounds like grinding or screeching, a healthy system should run nearly silently.
What’s the benefit of a smart or programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts temperature based on your schedule, while a smart thermostat learns your habits and lets you control settings remotely from your phone.
