Summer has barely arrived, and Las Vegas has already recorded some almost-record-breaking temperatures.
Whether you’re someone who likes your home to feel a bit like a freezer or you prefer to keep your thermostat set a bit higher, your A/C has no doubt been working overtime the past few weeks. With our lengthy desert summers, HVAC units in Las Vegas homes are put to the test year after year. Even newer units may begin to feel the strain.
Triple-digit-temps can cause unexpected damage to your unit. But there are a few things you can do to increase your odds of your A/C keeping up this summer. Keep reading to learn a few A/C maintenance tips you need to put to use this summer.
Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Visit
Ideally, homeowners should schedule an annual HVAC maintenance visit at least once a year. It’s best to plan this visit in the spring to get ready for summer’s hot temps. But if you find yourself facing rising temperatures before you get a chance, don’t put off maintenance just because you think you’re out of season.
During a routine A/C and heating service check, we’ll run your system from top to bottom. We’ll ensure that the supply and return are all functioning properly. If anything isn’t functioning as it should, we’ll get to the root of the problem. Then, we’ll help you get the repairs you need, fast. In most cases, small or routine repairs can be made during the same visit.
If you didn’t schedule maintenace in the spring or summer, or you suspect that your unit may need some extra attention, schedule a fall visit. This is a great chance to make sure that your HVAC unit is ready for the winter season.
Replace Your A/C Filter
When it’s functioning properly, it’s easy to forget about your air conditioner. A washer needs to be loaded and emptied. A microwave becomes visibly dirty when you fail to clean up one too many spills. But your A/C unit is likely tucked out of view. If it keeps running as it should, you likely rarely even look at it, let alone peek inside to see if it needs a good cleaning.
But the more your A/C runs, the more dust and debris it stirs up. Some of this enters the unit, and gets trapped by the air filter. Of course, this is its function. However, over time, a dirty filter can cause major problems.
When your air filter is dirty, your A/C unit’s fan motor is forced to work overtime. This added strain on the motor can cause the entire unit to overheat, and over time, to fail.
During the heat of the summer, you should replace your air filter frequently. Experts recommend swapping out your old filter every 30 to 40 days. In the winter, when your HVAC runs less frequently, you can begin to stretch that out. In colder months, replace your filter every 45 to 60 days.
Clean the Condensor Coils
Just as your A/C unit’s air filters trap debris, the coils in your condenser unit, typically placed outdoors, also trap dirt, leaves, and more. And just like dirty air filters, clogged coils can cause the unit to malfunction.
Cleaning the coils takes a bit more work and elbow grease than swapping out a filter. You’ll need to carefully remove the top and side panels of the unit. Then, get down and dirty clearing away any debris that’s made it’s way inside. When you’re done, carefully put everything back together again.
Don’t forget to shut off power to the unit before you start this process. This should be done at the service panel to ensure your safety while you work.
Of course, you could take your safety one step further, and save yourself a dirty job, by leaving this job to the pros!
Our experts will quickly and thoroughly clean your condenser coils to ensure that your unit functions properly all summer long! This is also a great time for us to check for any damage that could affect your unit’s performance. If we find a problem, we can fix it quickly to prevent a future outage.
Don’t Forget Your Evaporator Coils
The condenser coils aren’t the only coils that need to be clean and clear of debris in order to function properly. Inside of your home, evaporator coils work to hold onto chilled refrigerant moved by the compressor.
When you schedule a cleaning session and routine maintenance, we’ll take a look at your evaporator coils to make sure that there’s nothing standing in their way.
Get a Head Start on Summer Heat
One of the best A/C maintenance tips you can follow is to check your unit and schedule regular maintenance or routine repairs early. Not only will this help you avoid finding yourself with no air conditioning on the hottest day of the year, but it can also help you to fix a small problem before it can become a more costly repair.
If you do find yourself with an untimely repair, don’t extend your sweat session any longer than you have to. Call Rakeman Plumbing and Air the moment you suspect a problem. That way we can get your home cool and comfortable again fast!
Schedule Your Routine A/C Maintenace or Repairs Today
You wouldn’t give up on brushing your teeth after missing a single visit to the dentist. So don’t give up on your A/C unit because you’ve neglected routine maintenance in the past!
Whether your HVAC unit is brand new or years old, now is a great time to schedule a routine check and maintenance session. Let the pros at Rakeman Plumbing and Air take a look at your unit and check that everything is functioning properly. If we find a problem, we’ll get it fixed, fast, so you won’t have to suffer a single day of Las Vegas’s famous sweltering summer heat.Give us a call today to schedule your next A/C and heat servicing visit!
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