Spring Checkup

Summer is nearly upon us! For me that means cookouts and camping trips. But, it's also one of our busiest times of the year.

When the summer heat comes on, cooling systems are turned on -- and many times they work correctly. However, many of our customers find out that something happened over the winter months... for instance:

Those are some of the more serious problems. Obviously, they all aren't that bad. But all of them can cost money -- and even more so if you need it fixed fast. That's why I recommend a spring checkup.

Check the air filter and change it if it's dirty, or according to the manufacturer's recommendation, to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator coil fins. Keeping your filter clean can cut energy consumption 5- to 15-percent.

Turn off the power to the furnace before pulling the filter out so that the fan doesn't come on and blow dust throughout the home. Be sure to position the new filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Clear away leaves, grass, weeds, plants, and other debris that block airflow through the outdoor condensing unit, which is the large metal box in your yard next to your home. Anything that collects on the unit's fins will block airflow and reduce its efficiency. Grass clippings thrown by the lawn mower are particularly common offenders.

Occasionally clean the outdoor condensing unit by spraying it with a water hose.

Check to make sure air conditioning vents inside your home are not obstructed by furniture.

Closing off unused rooms and closing vents in those rooms can help; however, homeowners should consider adding zone controls to automatically set back the temperature in unused areas. Doing so can cut cooling costs as much as 20 percent.

Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid, set the speed on low; you will get less cooling, but the air circulation will make it feel cooler.

Let us know if you have any additional tips or comments below!