Switching From Heat to AC: What is Needed?
As the warm Lexington, Kentucky, summer approaches, you’ll find it’s time for the annual switch between heating and air conditioning. Before you begin relying heavily on AC for the season, make sure you take care of all these essential air conditioning maintenance tasks.
Schedule Your Tune-Up
It’s best to schedule your annual air conditioning maintenance visit before you switch from heating to air conditioning for the season. During this AC tune-up, our HVAC technicians thoroughly inspect and clean the unit. They will tighten loose electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, clean out dust accumulation, check the belts for wear, and test your thermostat to make sure everything is functioning properly.
If your air conditioner needs refrigerant, this is the best time to locate leaks, make repairs, and recharge the system. Schedule maintenance before you begin using your air conditioner heavily for the best performance throughout the summer.
Stock Up for Filter Changes
You should change the air filter in your HVAC unit at least every three months. If you have a lot of dust and pet dander in your home, or if someone in your family suffers from asthma and allergies, you may need to change the filter more frequently. Check the filter monthly for signs of dust accumulation and make your changes as needed. Stock up on several months’ worth of filters before you start the AC season, so you’re prepared for quick changes.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Change your thermostat settings as soon as you switch from heating to air conditioning. During the summer months, you should keep your home slightly warmer than usual. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re at home using cooling. When you’re sleeping or away from home, turn the thermostat up further to save energy.
If you haven’t scheduled your AC maintenance yet this year, give Stivers HVAC a call at 859-226-0809. We’ll get your system ready for all the challenges of summer.
