7 Air Conditioning Tips For Summer

The heat has hit here in Los Angeles, which means it is officially air conditioning season! Air conditioners have a longer season in L.A. due to fall months typically staying warm. This means your AC unit has many warm days ahead, and we want you and your system to be prepared. Consider these seven tips to help keep you cool this season and save money on your utility bills!

Schedule AC Tune Up

We recommend air conditioning tune ups to start in the spring time to ensure you are prepared for the heat. Your air conditioner constantly runs when it is hot outside, and your unit needs to be prepared for this change. Tune ups allow your Brody Pennell technician to make sure your unit is functioning properly. Regular maintenance in the spring and fall season can prevent breakdowns and other malfunctions, because your technician catches the problem early. If you have yet to schedule yours, it is not too late! Call us today.

Clear Area Around Unit

Debris such as grass clippings, branches, and leaves can clog your air conditioner. It is important to inspect your unit once a week to maintain strong airflow throughout your house and keep your unit running efficiently. Loose vegetation can interfere with the system’s ability to perform, causing it to work harder and potentially raise your energy bills.

Test Your Air Conditioning Unit

Before turning on your air conditioner for the long haul, we recommend letting the unit run in smaller increments to prepare for running consistently. This tip is recommended sooner rather than later, because there is nothing worse than turning on your AC unit in the L.A. heat and finding out there is a problem.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans have two settings: one for summer and winter. Be sure to set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise in the summertime, which causes air to be pushed down creating a cool breeze. Ceiling fans create the option for homeowners to set their thermostat a few degrees higher without feeling the temperature difference.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature setting at different times during the day. The adjustment is based on settings imputed into the system, which can also be done from a mobile device. These thermostats can raise the temperature when the home is vacant during the day and lower before anyone arrives back home. Research suggests that programmable thermostats can save roughly $180 a year!

Maintain Air Filters

Changing your air filters regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep you cool. Clean air filters improve air quality, air flow, overall comfort, and your system’s ability to function. A general rule of thumb is to change your air filters every 3 months or sooner depending on other factors such as indoor pets. Your Brody Pennell technician can help determine the best time frame to change your filter and the type of filter needed for your home.

Keep Your Windows And Doors Closed

Air can escape through the smallest openings, and it is important to ensure all windows are closed and latched and doors are shut while your air conditioner is running. Even if both windows and doors are shut, air can slip through. Caulking and weather stripping are cost effective solutions to resolve air escaping through holes.

We love the fresh air, but opening your windows while your air conditioning unit is running can harm your system and your air quality. As air escapes, your unit runs constantly to keep up with the temperature set on the thermostat. Your system can overwork itself and risk a breakdown or shorten its life by running consistently.

Give Us A Call!

We hope these 7 tips help you stay cool this summer and keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here at Brody Pennell, we are here for you at all hours of the day. Give us a call at (310) 810-2721 for all your air conditioning needs this season!