How to Prepare Your AC for Summer and Winter in Utah

The topic of seasonal changes is an important one within the HVAC world, and the two major transitions here around Utah are the moves into summer and winter - the two most extreme seasons for temperature. Preparing your air conditioner not just for summer, but also for winter is quite important - and there are some basic ways to go about this.

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're here to offer quality air conditioning services like AC repair, AC replacement and other appliance repair solutions around Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse and nearby areas. Here's a basic seasonal maintenance checklist for both these important transitional periods, plus some tips on why professional maintenance is vital and how to optimize your system during peak periods.

Seasonal Maintenance Importance and Checklists

When it comes to preparing your AC for any time of the year, you'll want to make sure your system is running at its best and can handle the upcoming demands. This not only ensures that your home stays comfortable during extreme temperatures, but also helps save on energy costs and prevents potential breakdowns. Here's a summer maintenance checklist to keep in mind:

• Filters: Replace or clean your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
• Thermostat: Check that your thermostat is functioning properly and calibrate if needed.
• Ductwork: Inspect ductwork for any leaks or damage.
• Outdoor Unit: Clear debris from the outdoor unit and make sure it has proper airflow around it.
• Refrigerant Levels: Have a professional check refrigerant levels to ensure optimal cooling performance.

Ahead of summer, typically during the early or mid spring period, it's vital to contact professional HVAC services for a comprehensive inspection and tune-up. This includes checking electrical connections, cleaning the outdoor unit, lubricating moving parts and testing all components for proper functioning.

During fall or early winter, it's time to prepare your system for colder temperatures. Here's a basic checklist:

• Filters: Replace or clean filters before turning on your heating system.
• Thermostat: Switch from cooling to heating mode and calibrate if needed.
• Ductwork: Inspect ductwork again for any leaks or damage.
• Indoor Unit: Have a professional inspect and clean the indoor unit, including the blower motor and fan.
• Gas Furnace: If you have a gas furnace, make sure it is functioning properly and have it inspected by a professional.

While much of a fall tune-up appointment from HVAC professionals will focus on your furnace and heating elements, they will also check your AC components to make sure no damage or other problems have taken place over the course of the prior summer.

Maximizing AC Efficiency During Peak Periods

Another important aspect of seasonal changes and your HVAC system is maximizing efficiency during peak periods. During the hottest summer months, for instance, you can keep utility costs low by following these tips:

• Programmable thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to adjust your AC during peak energy usage times. These thermostats allow you to program higher temperatures during periods when the home is unoccupied or at night.
• Fans: Use ceiling and portable fans to circulate cool air throughout the home. This can help reduce reliance on your AC and save energy costs.
• Insulation: Make sure your home is properly insulated, as this helps keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Blinds and drapes: On hot days, close blinds and drapes to block out the sun's heat.
• Regular maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance appointments to ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency.

Professional Maintenance Importance

In addition to these basic tips for maintaining and optimizing your HVAC system during seasonal changes, it's also important to schedule professional maintenance appointments. These check-ups not only help identify potential issues early on, but also keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Plus, having professionals handle repairs and tune-ups ensures that the job is done correctly and safely.

In addition, there are many air conditioning manufacturers who require professional maintenance at least once yearly to maintain your warranty. Skipping these appointments could result in voiding your warranty and leaving you responsible for costly repairs.

Seasonal changes require special attention to your HVAC system to ensure optimal performance and comfort. By following a regular maintenance schedule and utilizing professional services, you can keep your system running at its best all year round. So, keep these tips in mind as you prepare for summer or winter transitions to make sure your AC is ready to handle extreme temperatures. At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're always here to help with any of your HVAC needs around Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse and nearby areas - contact us today!