Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for Fall

Sept. 22 will mark the official start of fall. And by then, your air conditioner will have been turned off for some time, and won’t be used again until May 2014, at the earliest. When you put away the pool toys and summer clothes, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is ready for a few months of hibernation. Before fall hits Crosby MN, here are some things to do:

Service your air conditioner

If you’ve been putting off maintenance and service, then make sure to have these done before the first frost hits. The last thing you’ll want in May is to need your air conditioner, only to find it doesn’t work because of an issue that could have been fixed in September.

Clean the outside unit

If your unit is covered in animal droppings, dead bugs and other contaminants, remove them or else you risk them becoming permanently affixed to your system when not being used because of the Crosby fall.

Protect the outside unit

Since it won’t be in use for a few months, don’t let your outside unit be subject to damage from branches, snow and other potential problems. Get a plastic or vinyl cover, making sure what you choose is waterproof and can cover the whole unit.

Want to prep your air conditioner for the fall? Call us now at 218-927-6828 or Request a Free Estimate.

AC Tune Up Saves Operating And Maintenance Expense

A properly maintained AC system will operate more efficiently and with fewer repairs than a neglected system. More efficiency translates to less money spent for maintaining your comfort. If you are mechanically inclined and electrically qualified, you can do much of your own AC tune up. Unless you are already qualified as a heating and air conditioning technician, there are a few areas in which it would be better for you to seek the assistance of an expert. You will have to decide for yourself how much you can do and when it's time to recruit the talents of a qualified technician.

The first and easiest AC tune up item is replacing the air filters. Filters are best replaced monthly for maximum efficiency. Even in the mild seasons when heating or cooling is not required very often. You should never go more than three months before changing filters. Dirty filters are one of the main reasons for poor efficiency in heating and cooling systems, and a major cause of mechanical failure.

Next on the AC tune up list is installing a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. Then you need to learn how to program it correctly. Once they are set up, there's little that you have to do unless you have a change in life style. Programmable thermostats will adjust the temperature for the best efficiency and comfort whether you are sleeping, awake, or away at work. A properly utilized programmable thermostat could easily save you ten percent of your energy bill.

Additional items to address in your AC tune up would be in lubricating all indoor and outdoor fan motors, checking the security of all electrical connections, verifying the correct refrigerant charge, and checking the efficiency and safety of any combustion processes in your heating system. Most home owners and building owners aren't qualified to take care of all these items, and should utilize a qualified professional Aitkin HVAC service company.  If you would like assistance in performing your AC tune up in Aitkin, MN or the surrounding areas, click here.