Summers in Oklahoma are rarely pleasant, with soaring temperatures, humidity, and dry winds, but they can be downright miserable when your air conditioning goes out. We all know the feeling of desperation when you turn on your thermostat in the middle of a heatwave and the result is anything other than cool, refreshing air.
Your HVAC system can be a lifesaver during the summer, but it has a tough job. Traditional HVAC units use coolant liquid and electricity to adjust the temperature of the air it draws into your home. This is relatively easy for your system during mild weather, but the sun and heat of a broiling summer can make your HVAC work twice as hard to produce cool air. This extra strain and effort can cause your AC to malfunction or stop working altogether, and all too often at the most inconvenient time.
You can help make sure your AC keeps humming all summer long by reducing the amount of stress on your unit and staying on top of preventive and routine maintenance.
Here are 6 ways to ensure you—and your AC—stay cool through even the most brutal days of an Oklahoma summer.
- Clean or change your air filters. Dirty filters can prevent your AC from running efficiently, restricting the air circulation and placing an added burden on your air conditioner. Replacing dirty air filters and cleaning reusable ones can also help reduce your energy consumption. The rule of thumb is to change your filters every three months, but you may need to change them more frequently during periods of heavy use or if you have kids, pets, or high traffic in your home.
- Check your thermostat. By raising the temperature during the day when you aren’t home and lowering it in the evening when you are home, your air conditioner has a chance to rest. This not only keeps the AC from working too hard during the heat of the day, but it also helps save energy costs. When you are home, leave the system at a consistent 78 degrees. (This is the optimal temperature determined by the US Department of Energy for energy conservation and cost savings.) Remembering to do this every day can be a challenge, so consider investing in a programmable thermostat that you can set to do it for you.
- Turn on your fans. Fans set to rotate counterclockwise help direct airflow downward, creating a cool breeze by pushing air down and preventing hot air from rising. Circulating cooled air can help your home feel several degrees cooler while lessening the stress on the AC and saving you money in energy costs. You can also help lower the temperature in your home by closing shades, blinds, and curtains during the day.
- Avoid opening and closing doors and windows too frequently. Your AC is working to match the air in your home to the temperature you set the thermostat to. If you are constantly opening windows and doors, the interior temperature is also constantly fluctuating, making your system work harder to keep adjusting the temperature.
- Make sure the outdoor unit has sufficient clearing. Plants, tall grass, weeds, and debris around your outdoor unit can block airflow around the compressor and reduce the efficiency of your AC. Clearing the area around the unit and even shading it can help lessen the workload on your AC so it can function properly.
- Schedule an annual maintenance inspection in spring to prepare for the summer. Most AC failures are caused by poor maintenance or no maintenance at all, and undetected problems can lead to system damage, wear and tear, and costly repairs. An inspection and tune-up by a professional, reputable heating and air company can help diagnose potential issues before they become problems.
In addition to helping you prevent higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and system damage, maintaining your AC can also help you avoid common summer AC problems like:
- An AC that runs constantly, straining the unit and sending energy bills skyrocketing.
- An AC that doesn’t turn on.
- An AC that blows hot air, which could be the result of low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, or debris in the vents.
- No cool air—or any air—even when the AC is running, signs of low refrigerant or a worn blower belt. If a problem with the fan is causing this, you could end up with a broken compressor.
- Refrigerant or water leaks, which can lead to more damage to the compressor and costly parts and repairs.
- Turning off and on repeatedly without completing a full cooling cycle, also known as short cycling.
- A frozen condenser coil, which could mean the unit is working too hard.
- Frequent circuit breaker tripping, often caused by poor installation.
- A burning or musty smell from vents or close to the unit can cause the system to overheat or indicate improper drainage.
- Strange noises while in operation, signaling more problems are coming and your unit needs repair ASAP.
Keep Your AC Running with Repair and Maintenance from Suntech Heat and Air
Suntech Heat and Air has been keeping Oklahomans cool for more than 30 years. Our team of experienced, knowledgeable, and licensed technicians are trained to service all makes and models of HVAC units, traditional and geothermal, and our comprehensive 15-point inspections ensure we don’t miss a thing. We’re proud to offer 24-hour emergency service 7 days a week with no extra charges for emergency calls and no overtime fees for nights, weekends, or holidays.
With Suntech Heat and Air, you can be confident you’ll receive professional service on your air conditioner with honest explanations and transparent pricing. Whether you need to prepare for summer or are ready for a full HVAC replacement or upgrade, we make keeping your home comfortable fit within your budget with $89.95 tune-ups and $500 off a complete system installation. You can also make sure your system is always in top shape with a Suntech Heat and Air Club membership, our annual maintenance and service agreement that includes price protection, extra value and discounts, and automatic tune-up scheduling. Contact us today at 405-348-9743 or by emailing us at info@suntechokc.com.
