Published Date 3/22/2023
For much of the country, this has been an unusually long, cold winter, whether having been pummeled by unending rain or snow that just sticks around. But spring is here, and you can count on warmer weather ahead. And now is the time to start tuning up your AC unit or HVAC system, according to Realtor.com’s Meera Pal.
She consults with HVAC specialist Lane Dixon, who explains, “Sometimes, ACs and HVAC systems don’t receive needed maintenance until they stop working. So service is a necessary step going into any change of season. Proper maintenance helps catch minor issues before they become more significant expenses.” Pal goes on to point out how ensuring your system is tuned correctly means it will run more efficiently, which means you’ll be spending less money on cooling your home this summer. And offer tips on how to save money.
Before using your AC unit, it’s always a good idea to inspect the thermostat controls to ensure the system turns on and off when it should. It’s a great time to switch out your old thermostat for a smart thermostat — a “game changer” when it comes to saving money. The newer variety means you can set your house temperature to be warmer when you’re away and more comfortable when you’re home.
Now that you’re outside your house staring at your behemoth AC unit, clean or change the air filter. A dirty filter makes your system work harder than it has to. That means poor cooling and higher utility bills. One of the easiest maintenance functions to perform, doing this one simple thing can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%. And don’t forget to wash your reusable filters or replace your disposable filters at least once a month throughout the summer.
Now clear the drain, since the condensate drain line on your AC is what removes the moisture that collects near the unit’s evaporator coil. “A clogged drain can lead to costly repairs from leaks and cause your AC unit to work even harder to send out less cool air,” says Pal. “And depending on the age of your AC, the line can suffer from algae and muck buildup over time, which can lead to a line clog.” This step will ensure it is clog-free before summer, guaranteeing the system runs smoothly as the weather heats up.
Time to check the overflow pan, located under the AC. This is what catches and stores any excess water removed from your AC as it works. “Look to make sure it’s not only dry but also free of any rust. If it’s damp or rusty, it’s a sign that something is wrong and your drain line is backed up. In this case, it’s good to call a professional to check out the unit,” says Pal.
Since all of this is being done before you ever turn your AC unit on, make sure you also visually inspect the outdoor portion of the unit to ensure there are no overgrown bushes or weeds either growing on the unit or blocking the air intake. Any vegetation should be at least 2 feet away to ensure your unit can take in air. And clean off all those tiny louvers and fins on the unit using low-pressure water to rinse away any dirt to allow for complete airflow. This is important. Not doing so will guarantee you’re recirculating dust through the system. And a thorough spring cleaning will clear the system of all allergens — pet hair, floating pollen, etc.
If you want to make life easier, budget each year at this time for a professionally-trained HVAC technician to do all this. It’s easy to overlook an issue with one of the many working parts of an HVAC system. A professional can help reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and help prevent damage to connected systems and your home.
Realtor, TBWS
All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.
“Equal Housing Lender. NEXA Mortgage, LLC NMLS 1660690. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS # 630337, and licensed to originate mortgage loans in the state of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. To learn more, visit my NEXA Mortgage website at http://lillianwong.net."
NMLS: 630337
NEXA Mortgage
3100 W Ray Rd Ste 201, Chandler AZ 85226
Company NMLS: 1660690
Office: 480-650-5412
Cell: 480-650-5412
Email: lwong@nexamortgage.com
NMLS: 630337
Cell: 480-650-5412
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