Before You Turn on Your A/C, Do This...

#1 – Check Your Filter: According to a source on Energy.Gov a dirty filter could increase your energy use by 5-15%.* Dirty filters restrict airflow – making it harder for your system to work, decreasing comfort, causing stress on your system, and driving up energy costs. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget to switch out their filter as often as it should be done, at J&D Heating, Cooling & Water we recommend every 30-60 days.

#2 – Adjust Your Thermostat: Switch your thermostat over to the cooling setting. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust your cooling schedule to meet your family’s needs. Remember to adjust for 'away from home' and 'bedtime.'

#3 – Clean Your Outdoor Unit: Dirty coils make your system work harder and drive up your electric bill. Clear away dirt and debris (fallen leaves, grass clippings, etc.) that have collected around the condenser unit during the fall and winter. Trim foliage back at least 2 ft. to allow enough airflow around the unit.

Caution: If you use your hose to do the cleaning, do not spray it directly at the condenser coils as this may push debris deeper inside. Instead, angle the nozzle so it sprays perpendicular to the side of the coil.

#4 – Clean the Condensate Drain Line: Along with cooling your home, your air conditioner lowers humidity. Your system has a drain line that discards moisture removed from the air, and just like any drain in your home, it can become clogged. This blockage creates a place for mold and bacteria to grow, which could overflow and cause damage to your system and surrounding areas. The solution for this is to keep your condensate drain clear.

#5 – Adjust Ceiling Fans: Change so the blades are moving in the counter-clockwise direction to push cool air downwards.

#6 – Adjust Vents or Registers: Your system needs proper airflow to operate efficiently. Avoid blocking vents and registers with furniture or décor objects. Adjust registers in rooms for your comfort, but don’t fully close more than one or two of them because shutting registers could lead to damage to your system and raise energy costs.

#7 – Schedule Your Precision A/C Tune-up: The secret to prolonging your system’s lifespan is to keep it properly maintained (think about how important oil changes and general maintenance are for your car – it’s the same concept for your A/C). Regular maintenance will decrease breakdowns, increase your system’s efficiency, your comfort, decrease your energy usage, help keep warranties in force, and, when done consistently, promote longer system life. Schedule your Precision A/C Tune-up & Inspection today!