While March is famous for rain and the gradual coming of Spring, here in the Inland Empire, March often comes with the dawn of Summer. So, it is imperative that before temperatures rise that your home is prepared. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to prep your home for the impending heat and signs that you need air conditioning repair.
Summertime in Southern California can be scorching. With several days this season bound to reach triple digits, make sure to find ways to keep cool. And when your kiddie pool and popsicle supply fail to suffice, a high functioning and well-maintained air conditioner is a great place to start. But we advise that you don’t stop there.
Your air conditioner, no matter how efficient it may be, takes up a lot of energy. Typically, it will consume about 3,000 to 5,000 wattsof energy every hour. That’s an impressive amount and will leave you with a hefty electric bill. This season, prepare your home to take on the heat and lighten the load of your air conditioner.
7 ways to prep your home for the Summer heat:
1: Install insulation
This is an essential step in keeping your house both cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Without it, the inside temperature of your home may feel a lot like that of the outside–requiring that your AC work much harder to cool it down. This isn’t too expensive or difficult to install yourself and will make a world of difference!
2: Ventilate your attic
As heat rises, your attic can reach significantly higher temps than that of your home. So, to keep heat from building up, you can add vents or an attic fan to circulate and cool that stagnant air.
3: Get your AC summer-ready
This is it’s time to shine, so make sure your air conditioner is prepared. Begin by shutting it off and giving in a thorough cleaning. On the inside, wash or vacuum the filters and replace those that are disposable. On the outside, clear the unit of leaves and debris, and wash off any dirt. Finally, give us a call at NIR HVAC for a free inspection of any source of inefficiency or malfunction. We will advise your next course of action and if you require air conditioner repair.
4: Install a timer
Make sure that your air conditioner is off when you’re not home. No need to keep it running with no one there to enjoy the cool air! You can set a timer to turn on and off according to your schedule. Plan for it to turn on about 30 minutes before you get home, so it will be cool when you arrive!
5: Install blackout curtains and ceiling fans
Utilizing some simple cooling methods can serve as a great accompaniment to your AC. Blackout curtains can keep the hot sun from shining through your windows, expediting your house’s rise in temperature. Ceiling fans simply circulate air and are helpful in cooling. These tactics may not be uber-sophisticated, nor will they always suffice on their own, but will assist your hard-working AC!
6: Open doors and windows at night:
While the air is cool, turn off the AC and make sure to enjoy it! But make sure they are closed during the day, especially if the AC is running. And as much as possible, keep them closed so ]not to waste an ounce of the cool air inside.
7: Update your AC Unit:
Buy an energy-efficient AC unit. Look for the Blue Energy Star label for your best bet to save money on your electric bill.
Our unofficial tip #8 is to align your schedule with the ice cream truck and to invest in a slip n’ slide. But that’s just good sense. Implementing each of these methods will assist your AC and help keep you cool this summer while avoiding the need for air conditioner repair. Make sure to involve as many as you can as temperatures rise!
Besides prepping your home, make sure that you are proactive in maintaining and repairing your AC unit. Before the heat ramps up, it is helpful to know if your AC is broken so you can take steps toward its restation. When it comes to beating the heat in the Inland Empire, be sure to start with a fully functional air conditioning unit.
5 Ways to Tell That You Need Air Conditioning Repair
There are several telltale indications that your air conditioner is breaking down. Some may be more explicit than others, but they all could lead to an early catch of an AC ailment. It is important that you take note of any peculiar behavior and stay proactive in maintaining your unit.
How to check for telltale signs that you need air conditioning repair…
1: Feel the air
Asses the air flowing from the unit’s supply vents. If you’ve set your thermostat to run the AC and the outdoor unit seems to be running, you should feel cold air coming through. However, if you notice that there is less airflow than usual or that the air is warm, your system may have a problem.
2: Check the temperature
This may be the easiest sign of which you’ll first take note. If your home does not seem to be cooling with the air conditioner running, there is likely an issue. But don’t be too hasty in making this dreadful conclusion. When the outside temperature exceeds 93 degrees, your AC will have a hard time keeping up with your home’s demands. So if the indoor temperature is only a few degrees warmer than that of your thermostat setting when it is exceptionally hot outside, you may be in the clear.
3: Look for signs of water leaking
If you notice that your indoor unit is forming a pool of water, your condensate drain is likely clogged with dirt and debris buildup. Over time, this backup will cause a rupture or a leak in the line. As it may be difficult to notice a leak, it is helpful to know where your AC unit is located within your home. For example, if you have a leaking attic unit, you may spot a water stain forming on the ceiling.
4: Listen for strange sounds
Hearing any squealing, grating, or grinding noises? It’s not your in-house monster wandering through your vents. These noises might imply malfunction on the inside of your unit. A squealing sound can indicate that a belt has slipped out of place. And a grating or grinding sound suggests that the motor’s bearings are broken.
5: Check for strange odors
Any kind of smell coming from your unit might be a cause for alarm. But it can help discern which type of odor you notice in evaluating the problem at hand. Foul smells imply that your AC’s wire insulation has been burned out while a musty smell suggests mold growth inside your unit or ductwork. In either case, your air conditioner will require professional attention.
This summer, it is essential that you not only check for signs of damage but that you keep your air conditioner well-maintained as well. Simple tasks like changing out your air filters can go a long way in prolonging the life of your air conditioner. And when a problem arises, do not hesitate to call on us at NIR HVAC for your air conditioning repair and replacement needs. We are here for you as these summer temps begin to rise!
