5 Tips for Keeping Your AC Running Smoothly This Summer

by Bryan Simning | May 3, 2022 | air conditioner, air conditioner maintenance

Summer’s almost here, and you know what that means. It’s time to sit back with an ice-cold drink and enjoy the warm weather! But as much as you may love spending time outside, there’s one pesky problem: When it gets hot out, you have to keep your AC on to stay cool and comfortable in your own home. Unfortunately, this can take its toll on your AC unit over time, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer through the heat! Here are 5 tips to keep your AC running smoothly this summer without wasting too much money or time maintaining it yourself.

1) Prevent Freon Leaks

As outdoor temperatures increase, so does your home’s cooling requirements. Whether you have a central air conditioning system or a window unit, keeping your AC running smoothly all summer long requires some preventative maintenance. Freon is used to cool down your indoor coils—it’s much like water pressure, but with oil instead of water. As that fluid heats up over time it expands and can leak out into the atmosphere. Prevent leaks by periodically checking to make sure you still have enough freon in your system. When you call Valley Comfort Heating and Air to schedule an appointment, be sure to let us know if you’re in need of any specific service(s) listed above!

If you’re worried about Freon leaks, there are a few things you can do to monitor your system and identify potential problems. First, remember that every time you run your AC system, it loses some amount of refrigerant from its cycle. That’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t cause concern if it’s within normal limits. To see what’s going on with your AC, try adding a thermometer to one of your outdoor vents – after running your air conditioning for several hours – then check that reading against others in various parts of your home. You want to ensure that indoor temperatures aren’t going up significantly as well as double-check that cool air is actually circulating throughout your home and not just focused on one area or room.

2) Use Filters Regularly

Filters play a big role in your home’s comfort and efficiency, as well as its indoor air quality. According to EnergyStar.gov, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air—mainly because we spend 90 percent of our time indoors. If you have an air filter at home, remember to replace it regularly—preferably every three months during peak seasons—to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. And if you don’t yet have an energy-efficient, multi-stage furnace and central air conditioner from Valley Comfort Heating & Air, set up a consultation today; they’re highly recommended by experts as one of the most effective ways to stay cool while also lowering your utility bills.

And as an added bonus, multi-stage heating and cooling units help you save money on your energy bills. According to Energy.gov, these systems use energy more efficiently by changing fan speeds based on whether it is cooling or heating a home. That means less money spent on air conditioning or your furnace when you don’t need it, making it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. Plus, installing one of these high-efficiency furnaces from Valley Comfort Heating & Air not only increases indoor comfort but also improves air quality so you can breathe easy all summer long.

3) Change Filters As Necessary

Changing your air filters regularly can help prolong their life and prevent dust buildup. Doing so when you change seasons is not only smart, but it can also save you money on electricity bills! If you’re unsure about how often to change your filter, consider contacting Valley Comfort Heating and Air. They’ll be able to recommend a filter type (and filter replacement schedule) that will keep your system running in optimal condition. Keep Humidifiers Clean: If you run a humidifier throughout much of the year, keeping it clean is important to ensure it runs efficiently. A dirty humidifier means you’re blowing off bacteria—along with hot air—throughout your home and increasing your risk of respiratory problems or allergies.

How often you should replace your filters depends on how dusty your home is. If you live in a house full of pets, or if you have allergies that leave hair and dander floating around, it’s probably a good idea to change them every month. If you don’t see much dust in your home, though, monthly changes might be overkill—you may even be able to go six months between replacements!

4) Clean Debris From Ducts

Cleaning your air ducts is another area that is commonly overlooked, but it’s an important part of air conditioning maintenance. A professional will clean out all of your vent systems, including registers, diffusers and heat exchangers. It’s a good idea to have them clean out your ducts every few years, and if you’ve had pets or smokers in your home, every year is best. By getting rid of dust and debris in your vents you’ll increase their efficiency at warming or cooling your home.

If you do decide to clean your own ducts, here are a few pointers: if you see rust or buildup in your vents, get it out. These deposits can reduce air flow, so they should be addressed promptly. To remove them, first use a garden hose to spray off any loose dust and debris and then apply a little elbow grease with a wire brush or similar tool. Be sure to wear protective gear that covers your nose and mouth when you do so, as you’ll want to avoid inhaling any allergens in the process. After scrubbing away all visible dirt from vents (and cleaning your flooring where dust is likely to fall), make sure you vacuum up any dust that’s been loosened from ductwork.

5) Get an Annual Tune-Up

Be sure to schedule your annual tune-up before your air conditioner kicks into high gear. Regular maintenance is one of those things you’ll never regret doing, but always wish you had if you don’t. The process usually takes less than an hour and costs around $100-$200 depending on what exactly needs fixing. Even if everything is A-OK, make it a point to get a tune-up every year as they often find issues that could break down at any time. If repairs are necessary, they can fix them then instead of having an emergency come up on some stifling hot day in July or August when it’s harder to get repairs done quickly.

HVAC technology has advanced to where there’s almost no work that can’t be done from outside your home. One exception is air filters, which generally need replacing about once a month if you live in an area with high pollen or dust. If your ac filter doesn’t look dirty, it probably isn’t, so go ahead and skip changing it. Do change them twice a year though so they don’t get clogged up and become ineffective in filtering out allergens or absorbing moisture (which can increase humidity levels in your home). All ac filters are different, but they usually attach with Velcro or some other quick-release mechanism so they won’t take long to change.

Schedule Maintenance with Valley Comfort Heating and Air

Keep your air conditioner running like new and don’t have to worry about a power outage ruining your vacation with some regular maintenance. We recommend that you schedule a service check once every year. That’s enough to make sure everything is in good working order and minor issues are addressed before they become major ones. Schedule your checkup today!

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer ?

by Bryan Simning | May 31, 2016 | Air Conditioning

When an Air Conditioner sits idle for months, it would not work as smoothly as you would hope it to, because of all the dust and debris it has collected over time. For this reason, it is imperative that you get the Air conditioner ready before summer arrives by cleaning it.

Imagine this; it is a very hot summer day, and you got home to relax under the cool air breeze, only to find out that your AC is not working. Now, that is really annoying, isn’t it?

Before you clean the AC unit, here is a list of basic things you should know about the air-conditioner:

Is - Your - Air - Conditioner - Ready - For - Summer - Valley - comfort - heating - and - air - CA

Basics of Air-Conditioners

A central air-conditioning system has two main components, which is the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. The condenser unit is usually located outdoors, whereas the evaporate unit is mounted on top of the furnace or air handler. These components extract heat from a room through refrigeration technology.

The furnace blower blows the resulting dehumidified and chilled air through ductwork to the room. It is a rather complicated process, thus repairs to the AC is not something that you can do your own. However, you can do the basics, such as cleaning, to ensure the AC works efficiently.

Safety Comes First

Before you do the basics of cleaning the AC, you need to ensure that the power of the condenser is turned off. The power switch can be found on the service panel. The condenser usually has a 240-volt weather-proof disconnect box situated near the AC unit. The box consists of a lever, a circuit breaker or fuses to switch off the condenser. You need to turn that off as well.

Please note that the condenser has a capacitor that stores the electrical charge, and be extremely dangerous. You need to allow at least 30 minutes for the charge in the capacitor to disintegrate before doing anything.

Step One – Clean the Filters

This is the most essential, and the easiest step. Clean your furnace at least twice a year or whenever you need to (this usually means when the furnace is clogged with debris or dust). If you do not clean it properly, the flow of the air can be restricted. In addition, it can reduce efficiency of the AC.

Step Two – Clean the Air-Conditioner Condenser Coils

The central AC’s condenser unit is located outdoors. It is similar to a large fan placed in a metal box with grilles around it. Usually, it is covered with a condenser cover to prevent any accumulation of dust or debris. Otherwise, it is most likely to contain yard debris, dirt, or even leaves. Therefore, you need to clean it thoroughly.

The coils inside the metal box can catch debris or dust as well. When this happens, it can clog your AC, which means it would not work properly when you switch it on. For this reason, you need to clean the coils as well. It is advisable to clean the coils at the very end of the winter season, so that your AC will be ready in time for summer. In order to clean it, you will need to remove the top and side panels or grilles from the unit by using a nut driver or a screwdriver. Use a soft brush to clean the debris or dust.

The easiest way to ensure your AC unit is ready for the summer is to contact us. We will be able to service and clean the air-conditioner within a short period.

Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance

by Bryan Simning | Aug 22, 2014 | Air Conditioning, HVAC

The days are slowly starting to get shorter and the temperatures are starting to cool down. If you stop for a minute, you can almost feel fall in the air. Kids are preparing to go back to school and friends are fitting in their last summer vacations of the year. It is an enjoyable, yet busy, time of year.
Even though it can be a busy time, do not neglect the care and maintenance of your HVAC system. Doing so could be a costly and uncomfortable mistake. Homeowners need to take this time to attend to some summer air conditioning maintenance issues in order to ensure their system continues to work as it should. Add these tasks to your to-do list:

Changing or Cleaning Air Filters

HVAC systems are equipped with air filters. These filters help reduce dust, dander, dog hair, allergens and pollutants in the air in your home. Most of these filters are disposable and easy to replace. However, some older HVAC systems have filters that need gently washed and dried instead of replaced. Install a new filter or clean your filter now, so that at the beginning of next summer season your air conditioner will be ready to go. However, in many HVAC systems the heating and cooling units share an air filter. In this case, you will want to be sure to change your air filter about every one to three months, or according to your owner’s manual.

Inspect the Condensate Pan and Drain

The condensate pan and drain collect moisture from the system and removes it to the outdoors. You should check the pain and drain for the presence of water. Leaving this water can create problems, such as freezing, during the winter months.

Ceiling Fan installation

Check the Condenser

The condenser moves heat to the outdoors and starts the cooling process when the a/c unit is turned on. You should check the condenser for any dirt in the coils or fins and wash it with a hose. At this time you can also assess the outside of your unit for any fescue overgrowth that may be blocking the necessary airflow.

If you prefer, you can leave these a/c maintenance tasks for the pros. Call your local HVAC Contractors for Air Conditioning Maintenance or for HVAC service before summer’s end in order to keep your HVAC system running at its best all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance

Why is Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance Important?

Summer air conditioning maintenance ensures your HVAC system operates efficiently, providing cool air when you need it most. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and discomfort during hot weather.

How Often Should I Change or Clean Air Filters?

Air filters should be changed or cleaned every one to three months, depending on your HVAC system’s specifications. Clean filters help improve indoor air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants.

What Should I Inspect in the Condensate Pan and Drain?

Check the condensate pan and drain for any water accumulation, as stagnant water can lead to freezing issues in winter. Regular inspection ensures proper drainage and prevents potential damage.

How Do I Maintain the Condenser Unit?

Inspect the condenser for dirt accumulation in coils or fins, and clean it using a hose. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit by trimming any foliage or debris that may obstruct airflow.

Can I Perform Air Conditioning Maintenance Myself?

While some maintenance tasks like changing air filters can be done by homeowners, it’s advisable to seek professional HVAC service for comprehensive maintenance. HVAC contractors have the expertise to identify and address potential issues.

What Are the Benefits of Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Professional maintenance ensures thorough inspection and servicing of all HVAC components, optimizing system performance and longevity. Additionally, professional technicians can detect and resolve minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

When Is the Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance?

It’s best to schedule air conditioning maintenance before the end of summer to address any issues before the cooler months. Regular maintenance ensures your HVAC system is ready to handle the demands of the upcoming seasons.

What Happens if I Neglect Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Neglecting air conditioning maintenance can result in reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and premature system failure. Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential problems before they escalate.

How Can I Find Reliable HVAC Contractors for Maintenance?

Research local HVAC contractors with positive reviews and certifications. Ask for recommendations from friends or family and inquire about their experience and expertise in air conditioning maintenance.

What Are Some Signs That My HVAC System Needs Maintenance?

Signs of a malfunctioning HVAC system include reduced airflow, unusual noises, foul odors, and uneven cooling. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to schedule maintenance promptly to prevent further damage.