Having an air conditioner can certainly be a good thing in the summer in Joplin, MO, where the warmer months of the year tend to be hot and muggy. While every air conditioner needs some professional attention now and then, there are steps you can take to keep your home’s cooling system working well. Keep reading for our recommendations for AC best practices that can benefit you and your air conditioner.
Change the Filter Regularly
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner may be reduced by as much as 15% when the filter is dirty, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The standard recommendation for changing your AC filter is every three months. However, the frequency of filter changes for your air conditioner depends on factors such as:
- Household size
- Whether or not you have pets
- Your indoor air quality
- The quality of the filter you usually use
- Any issues you or anyone else in your household may have with allergies
Check and Clean the Outside Unit
This is an AC best practice that can help extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running more efficiently. Whenever you’re outside in your yard, take a moment to check the outside unit. Clear away any leaves, twigs, weeds, and other debris that might be on or around it. Every now and then, go a bit further and hose down the outside unit to wash away dirt and debris that’s inside of it.
Use Fan Mode When It’s Possible to Do So
On days when it’s a bit warmer but not excessively hot and humid in Joplin, MO, consider using fan mode. This is a less energy-intensive setting that can still help to keep things comfy indoors. To minimize system wear and tear, save the regular mode on your AC for times when there’s a need to keep high humidity levels and temps lower inside your home.
Gradually Adjust Your Thermostat
Dramatic changes in indoor temperature make your air conditioner work harder, which increases the odds of needing urgent AC repair at the most inconvenient times. Make it easier for your cooling system to maintain your desired indoor comfort level by gradually increasing your thermostat settings. This can be done in either direction, especially as the seasons begin to change.
Speaking of thermostats, a smart thermostat is a cost-effective way to properly adjust your AC settings in a more efficient way. If you haven’t yet considered one, talk to an HVAC technician to find out what options are available.
Keep Your AC in Good Shape With Our HVAC Services
One other best practice that can be beneficial for your cooling system is being proactive about HVAC services in Joplin. If you’re noticing any issues with your AC, get in touch with the trusted technicians from Upland Servicing. We can also help you out if your current air conditioner isn’t correctly sized for your home or if it’s time to consider an AC replacement for any other reason. Contact our HVAC pros today to set up your appointment.
