If you live in Birmingham, air conditioning keeps your home comfortable for most of the year. You know that taking care of your air conditioner is as important as taking care of your vehicle. These high-performance items need regular care to function optimally. Here are some tips to keep your home’s chill factor high this summer for AC season:

Keep the Air Conditioning Air Filter Clean

Check the filter monthly. The bigger your family, the more often the filter will need replacement. If you have furry friends or someone suffers from allergies or has respiratory problems, the filter should be changed every 30 days. If you can’t see the filter material beneath the dirt, it’s time to change it out.

Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit

To optimize system performance, clear away any debris, leaves, twigs or trash in the area. Cut all foliage back to at least three feet away. Gently hose down the unit and wipe it with a clean cloth to remove any accumulated gunk. Finally, make sure that the unit is level on its block.

Schedule AC Maintenance Before the Weather Gets Warm

Have the unit serviced before you use it, otherwise the accumulated layer of grunge will make it work harder than it should. That stresses out the system and can cause it to age prematurely. Your utility bills will also be higher if you operate a dirty air conditioner. A good service technician will inspect the system and alert you to any issues that need to be resolved before bringing your equipment online. Your tech will also clean and prime the unit for high performance and prepare it to operate efficiently all summer.

To learn more about the benefits of AC maintenance, visit One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. We offer one-time AC tuneups in Birmingham and preventive maintenance plans tailored to your needs. Call us at (205) 690-4145 if you have questions or would like to schedule service.