Are you trying to prepare your house for a summer heatwave? If so, your first step should be your air conditioning system. If you know how to maintain it, then you can keep energy costs down and keep a cool head in the summer heat. 

From cleaning to replacements, we can help. Read on for our guide on summer air conditioning preparations. 

Check Vents

The first step is to check your vents. You should be aiming to have as many vents open as possible. If not, uneven pressure can reduce the effectiveness of the system, resulting in a hotter climate and the use of more power to cool.

Before summer, the vents of the aircon should be vacuumed. Make sure the vents are not obstructed by furniture and fittings. 

Replace the Filters

Your filters should be replaced every six months to keep your system running smoothly. They can become clogged with dirt and dust very easily. This makes your system run harder, using more energy, and can push filthy air into your home. 

Luckily, filter replacement is one air conditioner troubleshooting task you can do yourself. Filters are also relatively inexpensive, so replacing them should not cost the earth. if you do have trouble with this, then you can always contact Quality Air Experts to assist. 

Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser is the part of the air conditioning system that sits outside. It is a large metal box with a fan inside. In winter, it is usually covered by a box or sheet of plastic. 

However, in summer it can get clogged with twigs, dirt, and dust. Remove these and give the fan a clean or vacuum. Make sure that no items are within two yards square of the unit, so move furniture and cut back shrubbery if you need to do so. 

Check For Leaks

 The first place you should check is the coolant lines. They run from the condenser outside and are covered in foam. If this is frayed or missing, you should replace it with an insulated pex pipe for better insulation.

Next, go around the windows and door frames, running a hand along the seams. If you can feel air escaping, then you need to find a way to insulate this section. It may be a case of caulking windows and using foam insulation on doors. 

Set Your Thermostat

If you do not have an automatic thermostat installed, you should give serious consideration to getting one. This lets you have the system shut off during the day when you are out and lets it come back into use as you are about to arrive home. Even better is a smart thermostat, which you can control from your phone manually. 

Ideally, keep thermostats away from direct sunlight. This can sometimes cause them to think the temperature is higher than it is, reducing energy efficiency. 

Summer Air Conditioning Preparation

This summer air conditioning preparation should also be done at the end of the season, ideally as the weather begins to turn and you no longer need the AC unit working. If you live in a constantly hot climate, try to do it at least every six months. 

If you enjoyed our blog, then visit the rest of our articles. We have everything from maintenance to renovation advice, to get the best from your home this summer!