Month: April 2020

Winter is on its way out, which means spring and its warmer temperatures are about to arrive. Before turning on your air conditioner, however, you need to get your system ready for the season. While it may be too soon to consider an AC repair in Williamsburg, VA, there are things you can do to minimize needing one as the year goes on.

First, check your air filters. The filters keep dust and allergens from infiltrating your air ducts. A clean filter is the first line of defense for your air conditioning system and contributes to both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It is recommended to replace the filter twice a year: at the start of spring and at the end of the summer. Afterward, check your filter on a monthly basis and clean off the excess dirt and dust.

Air filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. This next step will require an HVAC professional. Duct cleaning purges your home of dust buildup that may have happened over the winter. If you see that your vents have accumulated dust, then it is a fairly safe assumption that your ducts are in a similar condition. Clean air ducts go a long way in improving your AC’s performance, so get this task done as quickly as possible.

Finally, check your thermostat to ensure it is working properly. This device does more than set the indoor temperatures–it also tells the AC system when to power on and off. You will want to set your thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable to you, but at the same time won’t force your system to run at infrequent intervals. Newer thermostat models allow you to set temperatures at specific times automatically, which can eliminate the guesswork and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

By taking proactive steps to prepare your home for spring weather, you are well on your way to minimizing the need for an AC repair. If you are unsure how to prepare your home for the warmer months, then request a consultation with an experienced HVAC contractor.

The winter was long and rough, but now spring is on the horizon. As temperatures rise, the time to turn on your air conditioner is getting closer. Before setting your thermostat down, now would be a good time to think about cleaning up.

Your HVAC contractor in Williamsburg, VA, may suggest some housekeeping before turning on your AC for the first time. For instance, start with your air ducts. The ducts lining your home may be holding some dust and other particles that have formed while your heating system was running. As such, turning on the AC also runs the risk of circulating these particles and lowering the indoor air quality.

Duct cleaning is an effective strategy for getting rid of dust. Now would be a great time to do so as well. Considering that spring is also a time when allergens like pollen reign supreme, it would make sense to make sure your ducts are free of them.

A clean air duct circulates cold air more effectively, too. Dust and other solid particles force your air conditioning to work harder. As a consequence, they use more energy and can drive up your energy costs. Cleaning your ducts can go a long way in keeping your energy costs manageable.

While there is a lot of emphasis on cleaning air ducts, it also makes sense to check your air filters as well. Many HVAC contractors recommend replacing your filter twice a year while checking them each month. Filters are relatively inexpensive. Naturally, you may need to clean or replace them more often if you run your AC frequently.