The climate in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN includes frigid winters and hot, muggy summers. During the hottest months of the year, most people in the Twin Cities stay cool and beat the heat and humidity using their homes’ air conditioning. Nothing is more refreshing than coming home to a chilled house after spending the day sweating outdoors under the sun.
If you want to get the most out of your air conditioner without raising your energy expenses too high, AC maintenance is key. What should you do to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer? Consult this guide on AC maintenance in Minneapolis and St. Paul to learn several simple yet effective tips to keep your AC system running efficiently and effectively.
Book an Air Conditioning Unit Tune-Up Early
One of the best ways to ensure your air conditioner is ready to handle the summer heat and humidity is with regular AC tune-ups. By scheduling a tune-up with a qualified HVAC company such as BWS, you can be confident that your system is fully functional with the correct calibrations to generate cool air throughout the summer. Our technicians will provide several services during the AC tune-up, including:
- Checking electrical connections
- Changing the air filter
- Inspecting all parts of the air conditioner
- Repairing damage
It’s best not to wait until the middle of summer to schedule this professional maintenance service. Summer is a peak time for air conditioner repairs. Instead, book the service in the middle of spring to ensure your system is ready when it’s time to use it daily.
7 Ways To Maintain An Efficient AC Unit
While the BWS team has you covered when it comes to expert air conditioning maintenance in St. Paul, MN, we encourage homeowners to perform smaller maintenance tasks to keep your AC unit running effectively. Maintaining your air conditioner can help reduce energy usage and in turn lower utility bills. Simply put – the less energy used, the more you will save. Below we have listed seven ways homeowners can keep an efficient air conditioner and low cooling costs this summer.
- Change The Air Filter Regularly
- Clean The Vents
- Seal Air Leaks
- Close Door & Windows
- Adjust Your Thermostat
- Clear Space Around The Unit
- Call An HVAC Professional at the First Sign of Trouble
Change The Air Filter Regularly
Though the HVAC technician will change your air filter during a tune-up, you shouldn’t wait for the next inspection to handle the task. The unit’s air filter traps airborne particles like pollen, dust, hair, and dander as air circulates through the air conditioner and your home.
Failing to change or clean the filter, depending on the type your system uses, can cause several problems, including reduced airflow, poor air quality, high utility bills, and uneven temperatures. It’s best to check the air filter every 30 days as part of your home’s monthly chores and replace or clean it as necessary.
If you use a disposable filter, write the date on it so you’ll know when to change it. For reusable air filters, vacuum the debris on the screen, and rinse it clean. You can use most reusable filters for several years before replacing them.
Clean The Vents
It’s best to clean the vents around your home whenever you change or clean the air filter. Over time, vents and registers can accumulate a substantial dust and debris buildup. Not only will the mess block cool air coming from the vents, but it will also make your home look dusty and untidy. To clean your vents, use a vacuum with a brush or hose attachment. You can also wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth.
Seal Air Leaks
Gaps around your windows and doors will cause your home’s cool air to leak out. When that happens, the air conditioner will consume more energy to work harder to maintain the temperature on the thermostat. The air loss will increase energy bills and add unnecessary wear and tear to your air conditioner’s moving parts.
Use weather stripping, insulation, and caulk around doors, windows, and other spaces where air might leak out. You’ll save on monthly utility expenses and enjoy a cooler residence.
Close Doors & Windows
Sometimes, air leaks occur from keeping doors and windows open, not just from gaps and tears in the seals around them. If your house needs fresh air, turn off the air conditioner before opening a window. Running the cooling system with an open door or window will force it to overwork, leading to higher energy costs and less indoor comfort from the lack of cool air.
Adjust Your Thermostat
People who use air conditioners in the Twin Cities often debate about whether to turn the air conditioner off or keep it running when no one is home. It might make sense to some to maintain a specific temperature all day, every day. Yet, it’s good to give your system a break so it won’t have to run continuously.
At night or when no one is home, consider turning the thermostat up a few degrees. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by making a seven or ten-degree adjustment for eight hours each day. If you can’t remember to change the temperature, consider installing a programmable thermostat that allows you to set specific temperatures for certain times of the day.
Clear Space Around the Outside Unit
The outdoor section of your air conditioning system is the condenser unit. It needs enough airflow to function correctly and facilitate a heat transfer, but tall grass, debris, litter, plants, and other materials can block air. Occasionally inspect the condenser unit to ensure it has at least two feet of clear space on all sides.
Call An HVAC Professional at the First Sign of Trouble
If you have problems or concerns with your AC system, don’t hesitate to call for help. Below we have listed common signs you need AC repair.
- Lack of cool air
- No air from the vents
- Ice on the unit
- Leaks
- Unusual noises or smells
Contact an HVAC professional as soon as you notice a problem or inefficiency with your cooling unit. It’s best to catch problems while they’re minor and won’t cost much to repair.
Get Reliable AC Maintenance From BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Turn to BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for the best AC Maintenance in Saint Paul, MN. Our qualified, well-trained technicians proudly provide unparalleled heating and cooling services to the local community, like routine AC maintenance and repairs. With our preventive AC maintenance service, you can save on costly repairs and avoid unfortunate air conditioning malfunctions when you rely on your system the most. Call 952-681-2615 to request an appointment with BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.
