Summer Air Conditioning is Crucial in Virginia – Tips to Keep Your System Going
Once summer arrives in full force in Virginia, the last thing you want is an air conditioning system that’s struggling to keep your home cool and comfortable. Hopefully, with these eight AC tips and tricks from your friends at MSCO Heating & Cooling, cooling problems will be avoided and your system will keep humming smoothly all summer long!
1) Schedule professional maintenance as soon as possible.
Probably the single most important step you can take to avoid AC problems is to have your unit thoroughly inspected and cleaned by HVAC professionals. They’ll check all the major components of your system, making sure everything is in good working order. And if any problem is detected, they’ll recommend the repairs needed to prevent the issue from becoming a major headache – and expense – in the near future.
2) Check and change your air filters regularly.
When your air filters get clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, your system has to work harder to cool your home. Also, a lot of this stuff can be carried into the air throughout the house if your unit is operating with dirty filters. During the hottest months of summer, checking your filters every month and replacing them as needed is one of the easiest and best things you can do to reduce energy consumption, save money, and keep your system in good working order all summer long.
3) Keep the area around the condenser (your outdoor unit) clear.
This seems simple enough but it can be something of a challenge if you have an HOA that insists that you have shrubbery that blocks your outside unit from being seen from the street. A good rule of thumb is to keep all shrubs at least 2-3 feet away from your outside unit, giving it plenty of space to “breathe” and operate efficiently.
4) Provide some shade for the condenser, if possible.
If you can block direct sunlight from the condenser, without interfering with the airflow, that will help your unit. The hotter the unit gets, the harder it has to work to keep your house cool.
5) Clean the vents every month.
Things like dust, dirt, and pet dander can build up on the vents in your house, just like they build up on your filter. And even a small amount of debris can reduce the efficiency of your unit. So be sure to vacuum your vents every month.
6) Weatherize your doors and windows.
A tire with a slow leak has to be pumped up repeatedly to keep it operating. The same principle applies to your AC system. If cool air is escaping around doors and windows, your unit has to work a lot harder to keep your house cool. Before the hottest months of summer arrive, check your doors and windows and use caulk and weather stripping to seal any leaks you find.
7) Make use of ceiling fans.
If you don’t already have them, have ceiling fans installed in the main rooms of your house, including your bedrooms. Make sure the blades are turning clockwise, directing the airflow downward and preventing hot air from rising to your ceilings and signaling your AC unit to come on.
8) Give your unit a rest.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and turning it up a few degrees when you leave for work or school. To avoid having to remember to do this, consider having a programmable thermostat installed to handle this chore for you automatically.
MSCO at Your Service in Virginia Beach and Surrounding Areas
These tips should help keep your AC system in good running order all summer long, but if despite your best efforts a problem develops, MSCO Heating & Cooling is the company to call for the highest quality air conditioning service.
For over 65 years we’ve been providing heating and cooling services throughout the greater Virginia Beach and South Hampton Roads area, and when you need us for AC maintenance, repairs, or replacement, we’re only a phone call away.
Give us a call, and our cooling experts will be right over to assist you!
