Your HVAC system is an integral part of home comfort and indoor air quality. Is your air conditioner ready for another summer? Inspect it now so you’re prepared for hotter months to come.

• Check the air filter: The filter traps airborne dust and debris, cleaning your indoor air in the process. Changing from wintertime heating to summertime cooling is an ideal time to check the filter and replace it if it appears dirty. Remember, your air filter should be changed every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Inspect the air registers: Vacuum the grilles to remove dust and dirt. Also, make sure all return and supply registers are open and unblocked by furniture, curtains or rugs to keep the HVAC system in balance.
• Clear the area around the outdoor condensing unit: The portion of your air conditioner located outside requires adequate airflow to exhaust heat efficiently. Make sure there are at least 12 inches between the condensing unit and any nearby foliage, fences or other obstructions.
• Hose down the outdoor unit: Remove dirt, leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and other debris from the unit with a gentle spray from your garden hose. This helps the fins exhaust hot air from your house more efficiently.
• Test the air conditioner: Before it gets too hot outside, switch on the AC unit to make sure it blows cold air and doesn’t produce any strange noises or smells. If you discover any problems, schedule an AC repair before it becomes an emergency.
• Adjust the thermostat settings: When you’re ready, switch the thermostat from heating to cooling mode and adjust the settings as needed. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one. Preprogrammed settings make it easy to maximize savings when you’re away and sleeping, without sacrificing comfort.
• Optimize your cooling power: Shut all the windows and doors and block direct sunlight to help your air conditioner run more efficiently. Reduce cooling demand further by waiting until the morning or evening to bake or run the dryer. Turning on fans also makes the air feel several degrees cooler thanks to the wind chill effect.
• Schedule a professional tune-up: In addition to the do-it-yourself tips above, hire a technician every spring to professionally maintain your system. Thorough HVAC inspections, cleaning, and testing optimize cooling performance in the coming season.
• Consider replacing your air conditioner: If your AC unit barely made it through last summer, it may be wise to replace it before the cooling season ramps up. Modern air conditioners boast advanced features to save energy, boost comfort, and improve humidity control.

With an HVAC inspection complete, you should benefit from maximum home comfort and indoor air quality this summer. However, if you experience humidity problems and mold growth, DKI is here to help. As North America’s largest property restoration contracting organization, we can remediate mold from coast to coast. Give us a call at 844-354-2255 or contact us online to schedule services in your area.