Temperatures might not be cooling down as much as they do in other parts of the country, but soon enough we’ll be able to give our air conditioning systems a little bit of a break and turn our attention to our heaters. Scheduling heating maintenance should be on your to-do list, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your AC just yet. When you think about all the work it goes through during our hotter months, it’s safe to assume it has accumulated some wear and tear.
During this time of the year, your AC system can face issues with system malfunctions or can perform inefficiently as you use it during the end of fall. We have some advice to share with you that can help your cooling system get through the warmer temperatures we have left. Read on to learn more about our San Antonio, TX air conditioning tips, and don’t hesitate to give us a call when you need reliable AC services!
How Does the Air Filter Look?
Your HVAC air filter, often shared by your furnace system and your air conditioning system, is a very important component for the efficient use of your cooling system. If it becomes too dirty or clogged, it can negatively impact the inside components of the system. And even though air filters are changed during maintenance, they need to be changed or cleaned out far more often than that.
The stronger your air filter is, the less it needs to be changed out. But, if you went all summer without changing it, now is certainly the time to do so. A clean air filter will keep your cooling costs down, and prevent any extra stress on your AC motors that may lead to premature system breakdowns or tripped circuit breakers.
Is There Debris Around the Outdoor Unit?
Take a look around the outside cabinet of your cooling system. Do you see anything collecting there? We’re referring to branches or leaves gathering around it, or maybe even lawn mulch. If this is the case, it could restrict heat release, and system efficiency will drop.
Another type of debris to watch out for around your system’s outdoor unit is rocks or pebbles. This can create a potential for damage to components if they make their way inside the cabinet. Be sure to keep the area surrounding your AC cabinet clear for about a foot. You may even want to wash down the cabinet exterior, as well.
Check Your Thermostat
This is yet another component that is often shared by your air conditioner and furnace. Proper control of this component is essential to controlling your HVAC costs. When it comes to cooling mod, we recommend aiming for a setting of 78° F to help system efficiency and save on energy costs. However, if your thermostat is malfunctioning, then it won’t matter where you set the thermostat. The AC system will simply operate at the wrong time, wasting your valuable energy.
Now’s the time to make sure that your thermostat has fresh batteries, and that the programming is correct on it. Your air conditioner should be responding to it as intended. If it’s not, then you might either need to repair or replace the thermostat or have your air conditioner thoroughly inspected by a pro.
For expert San Antonio, TX air conditioning services throughout San Antonio and beyond, contact Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating today!
