Summer is right around the corner and many homeowners are mowing and weeding their yards to prepare for those backyard barbecues and pool parties. Another part of preparing for summer includes preparing your air conditioning system for summer use. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your cooling system will be there for you when you need it.

Change Air Filter

Clean air filters are very important component for your cooling system. Proper air flow through the system is required for it to work properly and cool efficiently. When air filters are dirty the air flow is restricted and the system must work harder to pull and push air through the system and vents which increases your utility bill and causes wear to the internal parts. If this continues, you will see frequent repair bills to replace those worn parts. Air filters should be checked and changed every 1 to 3 months depending on the type you have installed. Electrostatic filters are easy to clean, often just needing to be hosed off and allowed to dry.

Test Thermostat

Another task that you can do yourself is to test the thermostat. Turn it on and set the temperature a few degrees lower than the temperature inside the house. Wait and listen for the blowers to turn on and off. If it does not turn on it may be defective and need to be replaced. Your HVAC technician can check it as part of your pre-season inspection and will let you know if it needs replaced.

Test Thermostat Batteries

Just like testing the batteries in your smoke alarm, testing the batteries in your thermostat is important too. When the batteries get low, the thermostat cannot maintain the set temperature and will not be able to cool adequately. Check these batteries at the same time you check the smoke alarms so it’s not forgotten. Who wants to have to make a run to the store for batteries at the last minute?

Weed and Clean Debris from Compressor

The compressor is the part of your cooling system that is outside, most often mounted on a concrete slab or on the roof. Since we don’t often keep up with yard maintenance in the winter, tall weeds and grass can clog up the air vents on the outside of the unit. Like anything else, the unit needs air to do its job so pulling weeds and spraying down the outside with a garden hose will help it stay clean and free of debris.

Call for Pre-Season Inspection

Pre-season inspections will ensure that your cooling system will be ready when you are. The dog days of summer are right around the corner and it is the perfect time to begin getting ready for the season by tuning up your cooling system. The worst time to find out that something is broken is the moment that you need it the most. Temperatures are pretty mild until around July when it gets really hot, and you want that confidence that you can flip the switch on the thermostat and have chilled air blowing out those vents at any time.

If you are new to the Austin area, there are many qualified HVAC technicians that will be happy to service your heating and cooling system. Contact ABA Heating and Cooling for an inspection or service call. Our technicians are knowledgeable, friendly and NATE-certified.