No household device is as important for our comfort and wellbeing as an air conditioner is during summer. In fact, with the COVID-19 outbreak showing no signs of slowing down, it’s likely that in the upcoming months we’ll all get even more mileage than usual out of our AC systems.
And just like your car requires regular maintenance to stay operational during the hotter parts of the year, so does your air conditioner need professional tune-ups and filter changes to remain as efficient as possible.
In the following article, we’ll give you some tried-and-true tips on how to prepare your AC for the blistering Arizona summer and ensure it’s operating at peak energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn more.
How do I get my AC ready for summer?
Unless you have a background in AC repair, you almost certainly don’t have the tools and the training necessary to properly assess and maintain a modern HVAC system. As a result, the best way to keep your air conditioner in good shape and avoid expensive repairs is to have it looked at by specialized professionals at least once a year.
A typical summertime air conditioner inspection process includes:
- Examining the thermostat to ensure it’s properly attached and is working correctly.
- Checking the fan and the compressor. The compressor is the heart of any air conditioner. Making sure that the compressor and the fan aren’t working too hard is vital in order to prevent overheating.
- Inspecting the wiring by depowering the AC unit, opening the front panel, and checking the wires for burns or improper connections.
- Measuring the refrigeration pressures by placing special gauges in your air conditioner. If the pressures are too low or too high, the unit may need to be serviced.
- Examining the motor to make sure everything is working properly and that no extra lubrication is needed.
- Checking the airflow around the AC unit. As a rule of thumb, an air conditioner needs about two feet of space around it to “breathe”.
- Cleaning the air conditioner is the only way to remove the built-up dirt that may keep it from running as it should.
- Taking a look at the air filter and cleaning it or replacing it if necessary.
What is the best temperature for an air conditioner in summer?
The exact temperature you’ll feel comfortable at ultimately depends on your and your family’s personal preferences. Some people are just naturally more (or less) resistant to higher temperatures, so you’ll have to play with the settings to determine what works for you.
That being said, the US Department of Energy suggests that the best air conditioner temperature for summer days is 78 degrees fahrenheit. Furthermore, keeping your house at 85 degrees for 8 hours each day during peak cooling times can result in a 5-15% reduction to your cooling bills.
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep during summertime, the Department of Energy recommends turning the thermostat down to anywhere between 60 and 67 degrees. Opening the windows can also be an effective cost-saving measure if you live in a cooler climate.
Where can I book the premier AC repair service Chandler has to offer?
With the lockdown in full effect and the summer getting closer with each passing day, ensuring your air conditioner is ready for the upcoming heat wave is more important than ever. That’s where Hughes Air comes in.
As the leader in AC installation and repair in Chandler, we’re uniquely equipped to make sure your home stays pleasantly cool at all times. We’ll happily give your air conditioner a summertime tune-up while you relax at the Chandler Tennis Center with your friends and family. Call us today!