Is My Air Conditioner Ready for the Texas Summer?
Dallas summers are notoriously hot and humid, with average highs well above 90º F. The best way to ensure you have a respite from the sweltering heat is to prepare your air conditioner for the increased seasonal demand. Not only will this help you keep cool on the hottest days of the year, but it can also help you keep your energy bills in check.
In this blog post, the cooling experts at Frymire Home Services provide a comprehensive summer checklist for your air conditioner, discuss the importance of professional maintenance, and provide tips to ensure proper airflow and ventilation throughout your home.
Your Summer Checklist for Inspecting & Testing AC Components
Before the temperatures rise, it’s important to perform basic maintenance on your AC system to ensure it’s running properly. Here’s a DIY checklist to help you get started:
- Check the condenser unit: Ensure the outdoor condenser unit is free from debris such as leaves, grass, and dirt. Clear a two-foot radius around the unit for optimal airflow.
- Inspect the ductwork: Look for any visible signs of damage or leaks in the ductwork. Sealing leaks can improve the efficiency of your cooling system.
- Inspect the thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning properly and in the correct setting. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for better energy management.
- Replace or clean air filters: Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing energy efficiency. Replace or clean them at least once a month during peak usage.
- Test the system: Turn on your air conditioner to ensure it’s cooling your home properly. Listen for unusual noises and check for uneven cooling.
Importance of Cleaning Condenser Coils & Checking Refrigerant Levels
Cleaning the condenser coils and checking refrigerant levels are important aspects of AC maintenance, ensuring its longevity and efficiency. Dirty coils can reduce heat transfer, causing your system to work harder and use more energy than necessary to satisfy your comfort demands.
Similarly, low refrigerant levels can impact cooling capacity and lead to higher utility bills. To ensure they’re done correctly and safely, these tasks should be performed by a professional during your annual system maintenance.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Airflow & Ventilation Throughout the Home
Maintaining proper airflow and ventilation is key to keeping your home comfortable during the summer. Here are some tips to help you achieve precisely that:
- Close blinds and curtains: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to reduce the heat in your home. On most summer days in Dallas, the hottest temperatures occur between 3 and 6 p.m.
- Keep vents unobstructed: Ensure that furniture, curtains, and other objects are not blocking the vents. This allows for proper air circulation.
- Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts and seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Use ceiling fans: Ceiling fans can help distribute cool air more evenly throughout your home. Remember to set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer.
- Use exhaust fans: In areas like the kitchen and bathroom, use exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity from the indoor environment.
Choose Frymire Home Services for Your AC Tune-Up Needs
By following the tips mentioned above and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure your air conditioner is prepared to keep you cool all summer long.
At Frymire Home Services, our team is proud to offer the comprehensive AC tune-ups families need to keep their systems running smoothly on the hottest days of the year. With our Ease Comfort Program, we make keeping up with regular service easy and affordable, offering exclusive membership perks like waived diagnostic fees and free air filters.
Contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Dallas, TX, or to speak to our team about joining the Ease Comfort Program.
