5 Tips To Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Summer

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Enduring a furnace-like summer day without a working air conditioner is an instant prompt that preparing your air conditioner for the approaching warm months is no trivial matter. It's not merely about sealing your comfort zone at home; it's a matter of sparking your air conditioner into optimal performance.

Presenting five central tips to gear up your air conditioner for summer—we make sure you stay cool during summer with no considerable hassle.

Why Prep Your AC for Summer?

You might wonder, "What's the point of getting my air conditioner ready for the summer season?" The response is quite uncomplicated; a neglected air conditioner may leave you sizzling and overheating during an overwhelming heatwave.

Peak Performance

Similar to how an athlete conditions before a significant event, your AC unit should also brace itself for the strenuous summer months. Habitual maintenance warrants that your air conditioner system sustains maximum output throughout the heated season. A primed system minimises the possibility of a frustrating mid-summer malfunction, preserving the pleasant chill and solace in your abode.

Prolonged Service Life

A meticulously serviced air conditioner components or system performs not only capably but also generally enjoys an extended lifespan. Continuous tension on an underprepared air conditioner can usher in notable damage. Regular maintenance acts as a shield against unanticipated malfunctions, eases the functioning, and elongates your air conditioner's service life.

Improved Energy Efficiency

A seemingly insouciant air conditioner can turn into an alarming energy guzzler, leading to escalated electricity bills. Proactively checking your air conditioner for typical issues, such as erratic thermostats or leaky ducts, can significantly enhance its energy efficiency. Regular attention to maintenance is a preferable approach for managing your energy bills and expenses and ensuring your AC unit isn't devouring excessive power.

Elevated Air Quality

Maintenance stretches beyond just mechanical tweaks; it has a considerable impact on your indoor air quality. An AC system's air filter might become jammed with dust, pollen, and other contaminants over time. Thus, your used AC system could be circulating these allergens inside your home, compromising your habitat's air quality. Routine inspection and clean-up will enhance the quality and safety of the air you breathe.

Early Identification of Potential Issues

Coordinating your air conditioner for summer demands a comprehensive analysis of the system. This process often spots potential dilemmas before they evolve into hefty issues. By taking an active stance and tackling these trivial glitches early, you can steer clear of high-priced repairs later.

Now, let's delve into some tips on readying your air conditioner for the summer.

Tip #1: Clear Debris from Your Outdoor Unit

Indeed, your air conditioning system comprises an outdoor component (commonly termed a condenser unit), which typically features a sizeable fan enclosed within a metallic casing. Before the onset of summer and the subsequent escalation in temperatures, it becomes imperative to eliminate any debris that might have amassed during its previous use. Leftover yard debris or other detritus can interfere with the sensitive and delicate fins on the outdoor unit.

Using a gentle stream from your garden hose (never a high-pressure wash), clean the condenser unit to ensure your air conditioner is ready to tackle the summer heat. For comprehensive cleaning of air conditioners, consider a professional HVAC service.

Tip #2: Turn the Cooling Mode On and Check the Cool Air Supply

Most air conditioning systems are designed to heat and cool. Thus, your air conditioning unit might have been sitting idle in heating mode all winter. Now's the time to put your air conditioning into cooling mode and check the cool air supply.

While turning on your AC after winter, run it for a few minutes to ensure that the indoor air handler emits cool air. A home that isn't cool enough could indicate that your air conditioner isn't functioning correctly, necessitating a checkup from a professional HVAC service.

Tip #3: Service the Indoor Unit

The internal constituent of your air conditioning system, frequently dubbed the air handler, demands scrutiny as well. This encompasses purifying or swapping the air filter, a task of utmost importance to uphold indoor air quality and guarantee the seamless working of your air conditioning unit.

Subsequently, proceed to inspect the service panel and affirm the placement of the circuit breaker designated for your AC unit is accurate. If your air conditioner unit persists in giving problems, the issue may lie in your air ducts. Regular maintenance is your best line of defence.

Tip #4: Examine the Coolant Lines

In a split system, the coolant lines or refrigerant tubes run from the outdoor unit to your indoor unit. These pipes should be properly insulated to improve energy efficiency. If you notice worn-out foam insulation sleeves or missing foam insulation tape, consider replacing them.

Tip #5: Schedule a Professional Inspection

A thorough inspection by a professional is invaluable and ensures the smooth running of your central air conditioner over the long, very hot months of summer. Such evaluations often include checking coolant levels, examining the condenser coils and valves, and affirming that electrical connectors are safe.

Professional technicians can spot potential issues early on, preventing minor problems from spiralling into costly breakdowns. Engaging a professional offers energy savings and the peace of mind that your cooling system will withstand the summer pressure, even on the hottest days.

Effectively preparing your air conditioner for summer undoubtedly relies on ensuring each of these components is in good working order.

Stay Cool

A well-equipped air conditioner is your best bet to beat the heat and enjoy summer long comfort. Remember, the benefits of regular preventative maintenance by a professional team cannot be overstated for optimal energy consumption and enhancing the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Stay cool, visit www.metropolitanheatingandcooling.com.au to learn more.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Clean This Summer

We partnered with a cleaning company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and enjoying the great outdoors. However, it's also a season that brings in its fair share of dirt, dust, and clutter into our homes. To ensure a clean and tidy living space throughout the summer months, here are some easy and practical tips to help you keep your home clean and organized. Here are eight easy ways to keep your home clean and enjoy the summer more. 

Establish a Daily Cleaning Routine

Creating a daily cleaning routine is an effective way to maintain a clean home throughout the summer. Dedicate a few minutes each day to tackle basic cleaning tasks such as sweeping or vacuuming floors, wiping down countertops, and tidying up clutter. By incorporating these small tasks into your daily routine, you can prevent dirt and mess from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

Embrace Outdoor Cleaning

With warmer weather and longer days, take advantage of the outdoors to tackle some of your cleaning tasks. Dust off your patio furniture, give your porch a good sweep, and clean your outdoor grill. Regularly hose down your outdoor spaces to keep them free from dirt, pollen, and other debris. Not only will this help maintain a clean home, but it will also create an inviting and enjoyable outdoor environment.

Practice Regular Decluttering

Clutter tends to accumulate quickly, especially during the summer months when we spend more time outdoors and engage in various activities. Regularly go through your belongings and declutter your home. Sort out items that you no longer need or use and consider donating or selling them. Keeping your living spaces free from unnecessary clutter will not only make cleaning easier but also create a more peaceful and organized atmosphere in your home.

Utilize Doormats and Shoe Trays

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your home clean. Place doormats at all entry points to trap dirt and debris from shoes. Encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet before entering. Additionally, consider using shoe trays or racks near entrances to keep shoes organized and prevent dirt from being tracked throughout the house. This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and dust that enters your home.

Opt for Light and Breathable Fabrics

In summer time, it's a good idea to switch to light and breathable fabrics for your linens and upholstery. These fabrics are less likely to retain dust and are easier to clean. Swap out heavy curtains for sheer ones to allow more natural light into your home while reducing the chances of dust accumulation. Similarly, choose lightweight and washable beddings and slipcovers to make cleaning a breeze.

Stay on Top of Laundry

With outdoor activities and increased sweating, summer tends to generate more laundry. Stay on top of your laundry by establishing a regular schedule. Set aside specific days for washing, drying, and folding clothes to avoid a buildup of dirty laundry. The weekends are a common time to do this, but it can help to incorporate laundry time into your week. This will help maintain cleanliness and prevent odors in your home without dirty clothes piling up too much. 

Involve the Whole Family

Maintaining a clean home shouldn't be a one-person job. Get the whole family involved in the cleaning process. If you have children, assign them to appropriate chores, such as picking up toys, making their beds, or helping with simple cleaning tasks. By sharing the responsibilities, you not only lighten the workload but also instill a sense of responsibility and cleanliness for every family member. 

Rely On Trusted Cleaning Products

Remember, keeping your home clean and organized during the summer doesn't have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these easy and practical tips into your routine, you can maintain a fresh and inviting living space throughout the summer. To help keep your home clean, it’s important to rely on trusted cleaning products that can handle any mess. So with the right cleaning tools and these easy strategies, you can enjoy a clean and refreshing home all summer long.

Keeping Cool on a Budget: Tips on Prepping Your Home for Warm Weather

After a long, cold winter, the much anticipated arrival of warmer weather is always greeted with feelings of joy and bliss. Preparing your home for the warmer temperatures of spring and summer in advance creates a pleasant indoor environment that can be a sanctuary from the hot weather. Fortunately, from house fixtures to ductless mini splits, there are several easy ways to keep your home cool on a budget. Read below to learn more!

Install Awnings and Blinds 

One of the easier ways to keep your home cool is by installing awnings and blinds. Awnings are retractable or removable covers attached on the outside of windows, while blinds are window coverings installed on the inside of your home. Awnings can be purchased and installed professionally or by the homeowner, while blinds can be purchased at many different stores and installed very easily. 

Awnings and blinds both prevent sunlight from entering your home, which can help lower the indoor temperature. The lack of sunlight can create a pleasant and cool environment anywhere in the house, but it is ideal in bedrooms because many prefer sleeping in cooler rooms. They also help eliminate sunlight glare on televisions and other screens. 

Check Your Insulation

Check your home’s insulation before the warmer weather arrives. A properly insulated home does not let any indoor air escape and prevents any outdoor air from entering. Therefore, cool air produced by your HVAC system will not escape, and hot summer air from outdoors will not enter. This airtight seal helps eliminate temperature imbalances in your home, which creates a more comfortable environment. 

It also increases the efficiency of your home and HVAC system by decreasing waste, which leads to lower energy costs. Homeowners or professionals can perform energy audits that determine your home’s insulation status. 

Ceiling Fans  

Ceiling fans are another way to make your home feel cooler on a budget. A counter-clockwise-running ceiling fan forces air down, moving it across your body and creating a pleasant cooling effect as heat is pushed away from you. They can exist as a primary or supplemental cooling source, meaning they can stand alone or provide additional cooling with an already existing HVAC system. 

If your home does not have ceiling fans already installed, they can be purchased online or in any hardware store and are easily installed by the homeowner or contractor. If your home has ceiling fans already, be sure to clean and dust the blades before using them. 

Prepare Your Windows and Doors

Preparing your windows and doors is another one of the more simple and effective ways to keep your home cool on a budget. Opening doors and windows can improve ventilation and replace any hot or “stuffy” indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The constantly moving air can even create a cool breeze indoors. However, consider installing screens to keep out any bugs and insects. 

If you want to keep your doors and windows closed, be sure they are properly sealed to prevent any cold indoor air from exiting. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal any leaks along the edges of your doors or windows.

LED Light Bulbs

Replacing your home’s light bulbs with LED bulbs can help you keep cool this summer. LED— short for light-emitting diode—light bulbs have recently seen an increase in popularity among homeowners. They can contribute to a cooler indoor temperature by generating and emitting less heat than traditional bulbs. 

While they may have a higher cost than traditional bulbs, this cost is offset by two factors. They are highly efficient and use less energy, which leads to savings on electrical costs. LED bulbs also have much longer life cycles than traditional bulbs, so they will not need to be replaced nearly as frequently. 

HVAC System Upgrades and Maintenance

Your HVAC system must be prepared for the warmer temperatures, as it is likely the primary method of cooling your home. Most HVAC systems require annual maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Neglecting maintenance results in an inefficient HVAC system, which leads to higher energy costs. 

However, maintenance may be required more than once, depending on your system’s level of usage. Some simple HVAC maintenance can be completed by the homeowners, but having your system inspected by a professional technician is highly recommended. 

Many homeowners also consider upgrading their HVAC system in preparation for the summer. Installing a ductless mini-split is one excellent way to ensure that your home is properly cooled this summer. Ductless mini-split systems feature an outdoor condenser or compressor connected to one or more indoor air handling units by copper wires and pipes. They are available in single and multi-zone systems, making them viable options in homes of any size. 

Ductless mini-splits offer several clear advantages over other HVAC systems such as central ducted systems and window air conditioners. Their installation and maintenance process is simple because they do not require the extensive ductwork of central HVAC systems. They are able to filter and purify the air by removing any harmful airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and more. 

They also remove any moisture from the air to prevent mold and mildew growth. This helps improve your home’s indoor air quality, which creates a healthy and safe indoor environment for your family. 

Mini-splits are also very efficient. This efficiency not only creates a more comfortable environment but leads to reduced energy costs and a diminished environmental impact. Many mini-splits utilize smart technology to increase their efficiency even more and give homeowners more control over their system. 

For example, mini-splits can be programmed into temperature cycles that increase and decrease the temperature, airflow, and other settings in timed intervals. You shouldn’t have to break the bank to cool off in your home this summer. With this guide, you’re ready to turn your home into a cool oasis from the heat!

Guest Post - Tips for Using Air Conditioners in an Energy Efficiency Manner

During summer, air conditioning is normally the highest energy expense in homes and commercial buildings. To reduce air conditioning costs, the first step is understanding the factors that influence consumption: the specific cooling needs of the building, the efficiency of AC equipment, and usage habits.

Building cooling needs depend on the size of the property, the activities carried out, and the performance of the thermal envelope.

• If two properties with equal floor area are used for the same activities, the one with the best insulation and airtightness will have lower air conditioning costs.

• The same applies for equally-sized properties that are used for different activities. For example, an office filled with computers produces much more heat than a classroom.

However, even a high-efficiency air conditioning system can consume more energy than necessary with deficient usage habits. If the thermostat is always set at the lowest temperature and the fan always runs at full speed, any air conditioning system will waste energy regardless of efficiency.

Using the Thermostat Correctly

To maximize air conditioning efficiency, the US Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat at 78°F during summer. Cooling costs increase for every degree below this value, since the air conditioner must sustain a higher temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air. The increased temperature difference also causes a greater heat gain through the building envelope, which is added to the cooling load.

Smart thermostats can learn usage habits to program themselves accordingly. This way, there is no need for constant manual adjustment. It is important to note that not all programmable thermostats can be considered smart, only those with self-programming capacity. A promising application of smart thermostats is setting back the temperature when occupants are away, and returning to a comfortable temperature before they arrive. According to the US Dept. of Energy, this strategy can yield savings of around 10%.

Importance of Having the Right Air Conditioning Capacity

Air conditioning equipment is often selected empirically based on rules of thumb, but this practice is not recommended by mechanical engineering professionals. An oversized air conditioner is more expensive not only in terms of the upfront cost, but also operation and maintenance.

Oversized air conditioners tend to run in short cycles where they produce a blast of cold air, without leaving enough time for dehumidification. As a result, they create an indoor environment that feels cold and moist like a refrigerator. Such an environment can be uncomfortable and detrimental for human health, while stimulating the growth of mold and bacteria.

Improving Insulation and Airtightness to Reduce Cooling Loads

A property with deficient insulation and plenty of air leaks will have high cooling costs, even if the air conditioning system has a high nameplate efficiency. Single-pane windows also reduce the performance of the building envelope, since they allow plenty of heat through.

There are now high-efficiency windows with triple-pane glass and a low emissivity coating, but their installation can be complex in existing properties. The upgrade can be very expensive due to the cost of high-performance windows, and the labor cost of disrupting walls to remove the existing windows.

Insulation deficiencies and air leaks are more difficult to detect, since they are invisible. However, energy consultants can pinpoint their locations with a thermal imaging camera, and air leaks can also be detected with smoke-based pressurization tests.

Building envelope improvements reduce the load on air conditioning equipment, and this is reflected in electricity bills. Property owners who are considering an air conditioner upgrade can improve insulation and airtightness first, and then select a new AC unit that is both smaller and more efficient.

Author Bio: Michael Tobias PE is a visionary in the construction industry. His passion resonates as the Founding Principal of New York Engineers, an Inc 5000 fastest growing company. New York Engineers is the most innovative construction engineering firm focusing on Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) engineering designs in Chicago and New York. Michael has overseen the design of over 1000 construction projects in all market sectors, including LEED certified and Passive House certified projects. He leads a global team of 50 top performers.