Sometimes there’s no downtime between winter’s frigid temperatures and summer’s sweltering heat to prepare the air conditioner for its performance. In any case, it’s essential to ensure you take the opportunity to have the system inspected for any defects or need for repairs.

A well-established repair provider in Elgin, IL (visit website) can ensure any minor issues are corrected before they have a chance to turn into significant problems. These could result in the system malfunctioning at an inopportune moment in the extreme temperatures or, worse, shutting down.

Homeowners can also engage in simple care and upkeep between these annual service calls to keep the equipment operating at optimum functionality.

While the average person should avoid interfering with the complex inner workings of the air conditioning when not versed in these intricacies, there are minor tasks a homeowner should involve themselves with throughout the year. Let’s check out a few tips and tricks before turning the system on for the summer.

Helpful Hints For Homeowners Before Using The Air Conditioning

When summer arrives, homeowners in Elgin, IL, want to ensure they have engaged in proper care and upkeep of the equipment before turning the unit on for the season. These tasks are simple things taken care of throughout the year in between regular preventative maintenance by the professional service provider.

The experts will handle inspecting the system for potential defects or needs for repairs at least once each year and prepare the unit for regular seasonal use.

At that time, a technician typically will show the homeowner a few tips on what kinds of things they can do in order to keep the system optimally functional. Go here for guidance on what things to check before calling for service.

Some of the things you should check or consider with your AC as a homeowner include:

●     Thermostat

Batteries need to be changed at least once each year. If you don’t have a programmable unit, it’s wise to consider the potential since these help with energy efficiency, ultimately saving costs in utilities.

●     Ductwork

Inefficiency can happen for a number of reasons, but if you pay attention to exposed ductwork to look for signs of damage or wear, making corrections here could correct the problem since cooling is likely lost here.

●     Vents

Nothing should be allowed to block the air vents throughout the household. If you sit furniture on top of these, have drapes hovering over top or carpeting/throw rugs blocking them, or clutter strewn over them, it will cause the AC to work harder and less efficiently.

It’s also essential to remember that none of these should be closed. It’s a myth that you should close vents in rooms that you’re not using. Doing so will only create more work for the system, and an inefficient system will cost more.

There are times you can go without using the air conditioning altogether. Find out how to use the equipment in a way that’s more healthy https://m.activebeat.com/your-health/6-health-reasons-to-cool-it-with-air-conditioning/?.

●     Drain line

Water has to find somewhere to go with the potential for damage in the home. The suggestion is flushing “chlorine bleach” (a cup) into the AC drain and then following through with fresh water (a gallon) will leave you with a clear drain for the season. These lines clog when debris collects around the inside coil.

●     Air filter

Air filters for the unit need to be changed roughly every three months for the air to be able to pass through efficiently (or follow manufacturer instructions.) There should be a new one placed before using the system to start a season.

If you have animals or a reason for extra dust, debris, or particles or if you use the equipment more frequently, it’s essential to change the filter more often, every 30 days – with inspection of the filter regularly to see the condition. A clogged filter can lead to poor air quality and health concerns.

●     Circuits

Ensure all circuits are connected adequately and in the on position and check the thermostat to make sure the lever is set to “on” and “cool.”

Final Thought

A primary consideration for homeowners in Elgin, IL, is to understand air conditioning equipment at some point will progress towards retirement age. In those later years, it will begin to need more frequent servicing and repairs even though you engage in adequate care and upkeep with appropriate professional preventative maintenance.

A service provider will recommend replacing the equipment with a more energy-efficient option at that point to save energy and cut costs with energy bills. Depending on the care and maintenance, you should have a system roughly ten years before considering a new, greater efficiency model.