In Lake Oswego, we are blessed with one of the most moderate summer climates in the country. That said, we do have our scorchers when temperatures climb. Warmer weather, coupled with our omnipresent humidity, means it’s time to turn the air conditioner on. That’s why even in the warmer times, it’s a good idea to practice a bit of heating and cooling maintenance.
Here are some tasks that should be on your maintenance list every year:
- Schedule your air conditioner preventative maintenance inspection. Even if you don’t use the air conditioner that much, it’s always good to have it looked at once a year. Over time, Have your Heating and Cooling technician check refrigerant levels, inspect the condensate drain for leaks. Check the controls and thermostat, inspect the wiring and look at the coils. You’ll be ahead of the game if you fix small problems before they become big problems.
- Before you turn on your A/C, have a look around the outdoor condenser to ensure it’s free and clear of weeds, branches and anything else that might obstruct air flow. Trim grass and weeds, prune crowding shrubs to two feet away and remove any limbs that might fall on the unit. Indoors, check supply and return vents to ensure furniture, drapes and carpet are not blocking air flow.
- Change the air filter. Start the cooling season with a clean filter. A dirty filter will impede air flow, causing your A/C to slow down and work harder to cool your home. Not only does that cost you more, but you also will feel less comfortable. Keeping a clean air filter is important to maintaining good air quality.
- Monitor the humidity in your home. Buy an inexpensive hygrometer to check humidity levels. In summer, humidity should ideally be no more than 40 percent. We know that’s a challenge in our climate, but you can help your A/C do its job of dehumidifying by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and installing exhaust ventilation in the bathroom.
To learn more about summer HVAC maintenance, contact Roth Heating and Cooling of Lake Oswego.
