The dog days have ended, but here in Tampa, that doesn’t mean it’s time to ease up on the care and maintenance of your air conditioning system. Warm days and nights will continue well into the fall, and you need to maintain your A/C until you turn on your heating system. Take a few steps now to keep your air conditioner running at maximum efficiency through the fall.
1. Change the filter: As with your car and your furnace, a dirty filter can undermine your system’s efficiency. The air conditioner has to work harder to cool the rooms in your home and costs more to operate. A badly neglected filter can even cause your system to stop working. A clean filter, on the other hand, is the most effective way to ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
2. Clean the condenser: Summer has left its mark on your outdoor unit. Take some time to clear away dirt and debris that has collected on and around your unit. Trim hedges, bushes and shrubs that may have grown close to the unit, and pull any weeds that have taken root. Shut the power to your unit off, and hose it down. Keeping your outdoor unit clean helps to ensure adequate airflow.
3. Check for wear and tear: Your air conditioner gets a workout during Tampa’s hot summers. Do a visual inspection of your unit,checking for wear and tear and any needed repairs. Keep an eye out for frayed and worn cords, corrosion caused by marine air and clogged or blocked fins and coils.
Just because the calendar says it’s fall doesn’t mean temperatures in Tampa will drop low enough to allow you to go without air conditioning. Maintain your A/C to stay comfortable whenever you need cooling. For more expert advice on getting the most from your air conditioner, call the experts at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc..
