Dallas is a great place to live but it sure gets hot and sticky in the summer. The high heat can be hard on everyone and especially seniors. Anyone is vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat strokes, but older adults are particularly so. As bodies age, they have reduced capacity to adjust to extreme temperatures.
Air conditioning in Central Texas summers isn’t a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity.
Here are some air conditioning maintenance and operating tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe from the extreme heat.
- Change the filters in the air conditioner. Clogged or dirty filters block the air flow, making your unit work harder than it should have to and increasing energy costs. Clogged filters can also cause your unit to overheat and put an undue strain on the components. Clean filters will provide cleaner air, more comfortable temperatures, save energy costs, and help prolong the life of your AC.
- Clean the area around the outside unit, removing any leaves, lawn mower clippings and other debris.
- Clean the coils. The AC’s evaporator coil and condenser coil should be checked at least once a year and cleaned. Dirt on the coils will reduce airflow and hamper their ability to absorb heat.
- Check the fins. The fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent. A device called a “fin comb” will comb the fins back to nearly new condition.
- Set and leave the thermostat to within four degrees (up or down) of the desired temperature. Frequently adjusting the thermostat often leads to unnecessary wear and tear on the unit, sometimes results in the unit breaking down – usually when you need it the most.
- Don’t close off vents or rooms thinking that you’re going to save money. You won’t. Central air conditioners are designed to cool the entire home, and when they run, they run. But if vents or rooms are closed off, they don’t run properly. The AC will run longer and cycle faster because the cool air is going to transfer through the interior walls. Not only that, but when vents are closed off, pressure can build up in the ducts and cause damage to the ducts or the AC unit.
- Don’t try to “get by” with electric fans. They’ll move the air around and you’ll feel a breeze, but they don’t lower the temperature and they don’t do much to remove humidity.
Your air conditioner is important. Keeping it running at peak efficiency gives you a comfortable indoor environment and saves you money.
Your best bet is to have a certified HVAC technician inspect your unit. The technician will thoroughly examine all of the mechanical and electrical components, fine-tune the unit, and perform any needed repairs. A professionally maintained AC will work more efficiently and help to boost the life of your unit.
Call Chapman Air & Heat today at (214) 340-4999 or contact us online for prompt, professional service.
