With summer nearly in full swing, many of us are going to be relying on our air conditioners to stay cool in the sweltering heat. In fact, two out of three homes in the U.S. are equipped with an air conditioner for this very reason.
But is your air conditioner functioning as well as it should be — and will you be protected from a sudden AC breakdown? If you haven’t yet taken a look at your air conditioning system yet, you have no way of knowing. Additionally, if your air conditioning system has exceeded its lifespan of about 12 years, you are at risk for having an air conditioning emergency on your hands.
Unsure if you need an air conditioning repair or if your home’s air conditioning system is in its optimal condition? To prevent an air conditioning outage this summer, be sure to read these three frequently-asked AC questions, along with their answers:
Q: Do I really need to be changing my air filters?
A: Yes, yes and yes again! You should be replacing your air filters once every 90 days, and even more often during the summer months. This allows your air conditioner to function at its full potential, increasing air quality and energy-efficiency within your home. By replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one, your energy consumption will drop as much as 15%.
Q: What other maintenance does my air conditioner need?
A: Once each year, your air conditioner should be looked over to ensure it’s in good working order. Just remember that most AC services should always be performed by a licensed professional. If you want to help out your air conditioner on your own, you can keep its surroundings free from clutter and debris.
Q: Should I do anything before scheduling an AC service?
A: Before an air conditioning repair specialist arrives at your home, always double-check to make sure your air conditioner is on, and that its thermostat is set correctly. Be sure to take special note if you notice any abnormal sounds or smells emanating from your air conditioner; the AC repair specialist will want to know about these things.
Still have questions about air conditioning services that weren’t answered here? Ask us anything about AC services by leaving a comment below.