Preparing Your AC Unit for Desert Weather

March 27, 2019

No Murrieta resident wants to experience a Riverside summer without air conditioning. With midday temperatures averaging 85°, a well-functioning AC system is essential for surviving, let alone enjoying, the desert heat. By taking the proper steps to prepare your AC unit for summer, you can avoid unnecessary repair costs and lower your energy bill, all while enjoying cool, comfortable temperatures in your home all summer long.

Test It Before You Need It

The first step to preparing your air conditioning unit for the desert heat is to test it in the weeks before summer so that there is plenty of time for repairs if your AC unit is not working properly. With summer highs reaching over 90°, you don’t want to be caught in the height of a Murrieta summer without a functioning air conditioning system. If your system is not properly cooling your home, it may be time for repairs or a unit replacement.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Make sure that you are changing your air filters regularly. Changing out your air filters should be done at the start of the season, as well as every 30-60 days after that. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your air conditioning unit operate less efficiently, so make sure to replace any visibly dirty filters with clean ones to improve your air quality and lower your energy bill.

Check Insulation & Air Leaks

Check to be sure that your home is well insulated and any air leaks are sealed. Improper insulation will allow cold air to escape your home much faster, and you will require more air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature. Making sure that your home contains proper insulation will lower your bills and lighten the load on your HVAC unit. Air leaks also make it harder to cool your home. Repair any broken weather-stripping and fill any holes that may allow cold air to escape your home and let hot air in.

Maintain Your Yard

When maintaining your yard, don’t forget to clean up the area around your outdoor HVAC unit. Clearing away debris such as leaves and dead grass and trimming down any foliage near the unit will ensure adequate airflow.

Preventative Maintenance

Hiring an air conditioning repair service to perform seasonal preventative maintenance on your unit will keep your system operating efficiently, resulting in a lower energy bill. It will also save you money in the long-term since any issues are caught early instead of resulting in an extensive, and expensive, last-minute repair. In order to make the most of your HVAC maintenance, schedule summer maintenance in the spring, or prior to periods of heavy use. This will allow your contractor plenty of time to tune up the unit and resolve any arising issues before you need to use your AC to cool down.

As Murrieta’s top-rated plumbing service, ProFlo provides the quality you can count on alongside reliable work and 24/7 emergency services. We perform unit repairs, replacements, and maintenance services with premium customer service and unparalleled professionalism. To make sure your Murrieta home is ready for the summer heat, give ProFlo a call at (951) 694-1300 for a free quote today.

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