Cooling System Performance: How to Keep Your AC Running at Its Best

A reliable air conditioning system is crucial for home comfort, especially during summer. In the warmer months, you’ll want to keep your AC running efficiently to ensure safety and comfort while conserving energy. How do you keep your air conditioner running constantly all summer long?

We’re going to share some air conditioner maintenance tips to help prevent AC breakdowns and promote efficiency. Read on for a guide to better cooling system performance to learn how preventative maintenance leads to energy cost savings.

Keep Air Filters Clean

The first AC maintenance tip is to prioritize keeping air filters clean. Dirty air filters quickly restrict airflow, decreasing your air conditioner’s efficiency and leading to increased energy use. If you have pets, smoke, or see lots of foot traffic, your home air filters may get clogged quickly.

It’s recommended to change your air filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter you purchase. Standard one-inch filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days, while four or five-inch filters can last over six months.

Clean air filters support better indoor air quality by trapping contaminants and airborne particles instead of circulating them around your home. Additionally, clean filters help improve airflow and reduce system strain which can extend the lifespan of your AC system.

Clean Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit can quickly be overtaken by vegetation and blocked by debris. It’s important to regularly remove debris from the base of your outdoor unit and trim back vegetation that may encroach.

Cleaning around your outdoor AC unit helps ensure proper airflow, which improves cooling efficiency and reduces compressor strain.

Upgrade to Programmable Thermostat

The next step you can take to help your AC run more efficiently is to upgrade your thermostat. A programmable smart thermostat offers better temperature control. It also reduces unnecessary cooling with accurate temperature readings.

Programmable thermostats also often offer energy-saving schedule options for your daily routine or time away. Smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences to automatically cool your home how you like.

For the highest energy efficiency, it’s recommended to set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. It is the best setting for a balance between comfort and reduced energy bills.

Keep Vents Open

Another tip for AC efficiency is to pay attention to your air vents. Blocked air vents reduce airflow and result in higher indoor temperatures and uneven cooling. Furniture and rugs often obstruct vents, preventing the proper circulation of cool air.

It’s important to have clear air vents to promote balanced airflow and increased comfort at home. Proper ventilation helps keep humidity under control and reduces strain on your AC, extending its lifespan. Avoid closing too many vents to support balanced cooling.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

If you’re a homeowner in Olympia or Tumwater, WA, give G&G Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (360) 499-6604 for an annual tune-up. AC tune-ups and professional inspections help technicians catch small issues early.

When small issues are caught early, they can be fixed before they spiral into more costly repair needs. Tune-ups also improve overall system performance and help extend your system’s lifespan.

What Does Professional Maintenance Include?

At G&G Heating and Air Conditioning, routine AC maintenance includes:

• Coil cleaning
• Refrigerant checks
• Electrical inspections
• Thermostat calibration
• Checking for leaks
• And more!

Contact Us

Keep your AC running efficiently by getting a professional inspection. Our skilled HVAC technicians specialize in AC repair and maintenance for homes in Washington. Schedule an annual AC tune-up today. Call us at (360) 499-6604 or schedule online.