It is never too early to make sure your air-conditioner is up to the task of handling those hot and humid summer days. You can start by scheduling a spring preventative maintenance with your trusted HVAC contractor before the temperature soars. Once the hot weather hits, most service companies fill their schedule quickly and customers without any AC become the priority.
Having your equipment serviced in the spring will give you peace of mind when you turn the thermostat to cool. As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do now, while waiting for your maintenance appointment. Click here to learn more about Mountain Valley Home Comfort’s Planned Maintenance Agreement.
Change Your Air Filter in Harrisonburg, VA
If you have a central heating and air-conditioning system, the same filter or filters work for the heating and the cooling. The filter(s) clean out all the debris, dust, and allergens from the air circulating throughout your house. Depending upon which type of filter you are using, depends on how often your filters should be replaced.
As a general rule, pleated air filters should be replaced every 90 days. Low-cost, throw-away fiberglass filters should be changed out every 30 days. Clogged filters can lead to expensive breakdowns. Changing the air filters is an easy way to increase the efficiency of your equipment.
Attention Harrisonburg Residents: Keep the area around the condenser clean
The outside unit, whether it is a heat pump, condensing unit, or a package unit engages when in cooling mode for the summer. It is important to keep the surrounding area free from debris, lawn clippings, or trash. Such items can restrict air from circulating into your system, which can damage your equipment.
Also, lawn clippings, weeds, and leaves contain organic matter which hold bacteria. If left around your unit, the bacteria can infiltrate the air circulating throughout your home. Keep at least one foot clearance surrounding your outdoor unit to avoid any issues. If you see branches, sticks, or debris inside the unit call a professional service contractor to remove it.
How to Determine if your Air Conditioner is ready for summer in Harrisonburg, VA
It is important to prepare your equipment for summer use, much like you would service your automobile before an extended vacation. The following steps will help you determine if your AC is really ready for summer.
- Turn on the system in AC mode and allow it to run for 15 minutes. Put a thermometer in the supply register vent, which is pushing cool air into the room.
- Choose a vent close to the unit.
- Hold the thermometer there for 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.
- Find the nearest return vent, which is drawing air from the room, leave the thermometer there for another 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.
The temperature from the supply vent should be 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the return vent. If it is not, you should schedule a service appointment with your local HVAC contractor.
Service technicians cover an entire checklist of items to prepare your system for summer including, checking all connections, the condenser coil, compressor, condenser fan motor, and refrigerant levels. By scheduling a tune-up ahead of the soaring temperatures, you are more likely to avoid an emergency service call during the hottest days of summer.
Contact Us Now, Your local Harrisonburg experts at Mountain Valley Home Comfort will ensure your A/C will keep your family cool all summer long!
