Though it hasn’t felt much like it lately, summer is just around the corner. Before we know it, it’ll be time to turn on our cooling systems for the first time this year (if you haven’t already). Is your air conditioner ready to take on the heat & humidity?
As HVAC and home performance specialists in the Greater Rochester area, Wise Home Energy understands the importance of a well-working cooling system—not just for comfort, but efficiency as well. Luckily, there are a few things you can do this spring to prepare your cooling system for the warmer months ahead.
1. Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC air filters should be changed every 30-60 days to help maintain your system’s high performance and healthy indoor air. Without a regular change (or cleaning for reusable filters), you increase your risk of overworking your cooling system—which often leads to AC repair or premature system failure.
2. Test Run Your System
It’s always a good idea to run your air conditioner in the spring before the temperatures really start to heat up. This way, you’ll be able to notice anything out of the ordinary, like strange sounds or musty smells, before the cooling season really starts in the summer and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
3. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Since your air conditioner’s outdoor unit has been left exposed to the elements all winter, make sure to check it for branches and other debris before turning the system on. This ensures proper airflow for your AC since the outside unit is what gets rid of the heat from inside your home.
Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Cooling System
If you’ve turned on your cooling system and have noticed poor airflow, strange noises, or other problems, it may be time to consider an AC replacement. While the best way to know for sure is with a professional HVAC inspection from our team, there are a few things that can help you know when it’s time to repair vs. replace your AC.
- System Age – In general, if you’re having recurring issues with a cooling system that’s over 10 years old, a newer, more efficient model could be the best choice.
- Energy Efficiency – Air conditioners lose their efficiency as they age, which means that they’ll consume more energy and increase your cooling bills.
- Comfort – If you’re struggling to keep comfortable in your own home and can feel a noticeable difference in your AC’s performance, a new system can provide a long-lasting solution.
- Cost & Frequency of AC Repairs – Repeating problems or repairs that are more than half of the cost for a new cooling system can mean that a replacement is the most cost-effective option in the long run.
Energy Efficient AC Solutions from Wise Home Energy
We offer high-performance installation of a wide selection of HVAC systems, but of them all we think that heat pumps are the best choice for Monroe, Genesee, and surrounding counties. Heat pumps come with several year-round benefits for your home, including:
- All-Electric Operation – Since heat pumps don’t use fossil fuel combustion, they’re a safer alternative to heating & cooling. They’re also an essential component of any home electrification project.
- Year-Round Comfort – Heat pumps move heat in or out of your home, depending on where it’s needed, which means they can be used throughout every season of the year. Cold-climate heat pumps can even withstand the frigid Rochester area winters!
- Energy Savings – Heat pumps are some of the most energy efficient heating & cooling systems on the market today and can help lower your energy consumption for heating & cooling.
- Eligible for Incentives – Because heat pumps are so efficient and are better for the environment, they’re eligible for heat pump tax credits and rebates!