As seasons change, the necessity for transitioning to cooling indoors is only a matter of time. Your furnace is about ready for hibernation. Soon, you’ll make that annual switch at the thermostat.
Transitioning to cooling season calls for a few simple DIY steps, in addition to professional service. To get started, here’s what you can do to begin the shift to efficient, effective air conditioning this summer:
- Change the air filter. Even though you’ve been faithfully changing it all winter long, start the cooling season with a fresh new filter. Also, since air conditioners typically run more hours per day during the summer than furnaces run during the winter, A/C air filter replacement should be performed every month instead of every other month.
- Clear the outside unit. Check the outdoor condenser unit to make sure it’s not covered and there are no objects obstructing the top fan grille or side vent slats. Cut back weeds or other growth to establish 2 feet of clear space on all sides.
- Open the vents. Go room to room and verify that all supply air vents and return vents are open and not blocked by any objects like furniture. Many homes don’t include a return vent in every room. Instead, a central return vent is typically located in a hallway.
You’re done. Now the pros take over. Schedule annual preventative maintenance with a certified HVAC contractor. Annual cooling-system service includes a list of manufacturer-recommended maintenance procedures requiring the equipment and expertise of a qualified service technician: cleaning evaporator and condenser coils, checking refrigerant charge, testing the condensate drain system, measuring airflow, and much more.
Professional preventative maintenance also provides an opportunity for a trained eye to spot nascent issues and avert major problems later this summer. If your A/C is still under warranty, a record of yearly maintenance is probably required by the warranty terms to retain coverage.
Ask the pros at Paitson Bros. about preventative maintenance for transitioning to cooling this summer. We’ve been the preferred HVAC service provider for Terre Haute residents in every season since 1922.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922