Woman operating an air conditioner with a remote from her couch
Written by Columbia HVAC

3 Summer HVAC Tips That Will Save Your Air Conditioner

It’s no secret that 2020 is expected to be one of the hottest summers in years. Most of the Lower 48 can count on warmer-than-average temps for the next three months due to cyclical weather patterns. With a hotter-than-usual March ranked 10th highest on record, that means your HVAC will be doing double duty this summer. So what can you do to make sure your air conditioning doesn’t leave you hanging? The answer: take care of that HVAC and don’t wait to do some preventative care.

Read on for our top summer HVAC tips to get you through June through August with an unscathed, fully functioning air conditioner even when the thermometer hits 100 and beyond.

Step 1: Improve your HVAC’s airflow.

Before you do maintenance on your air conditioner, make sure to clean off the exterior and clear out grass clippings, mulch, or other outdoor debris. You’ll also want to clean the area around the unit and double-check that vents are open and unblocked by inspecting each vent in and around the home.

Another way to improve your HVAC’s airflow is by changing the air filter – this will better prevent debris from clogging up the system and triggering your allergies. Additionally, you may also consider improving airflow with fans to reduce the load on your air conditioner and keep it running in tip-top shape.

If you aren’t interested in tackling the maintenance yourself, contact Columbia Heating and Cooling for our $159 tune-up special and we are happy to help.

Step 2: Use a programmable thermostat.

Instead of relying on an old-fashioned system, get a programmable thermostat so you can change your air conditioning schedule whether you’re at home or away. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to keep an eye on your home’s temperature if your current schedule isn’t working for you.

Plus, a climate-controlled schedule paired with a programmable thermostat ensures that your air conditioner doesn’t work harder than it has to in the hottest months of the year.

When you book an HVAC installation with Columbia Heating and Cooling, you’ll receive a free Nest Wi-Fi thermostat so you have everything you need to keep your home cool this summer.

Step 3: Dry out your dehumidifier.

With hot summer temperatures comes hot, humid air. Most people are comfortable with 40 to 50% humidity, but, most of the time, moisture content in the summer exceeds that. Our advice? If you don’t want humid summer air heating up your home, dry out your dehumidifier. This reduces the load on your air conditioner to draw humidity from the air, saving you energy and making your home that much more comfortable.

Simply remove the outer casing and allow the system to dry out. Then vacuum your unit to clean out the dirt and debris before you reassemble it.

Install a New HVAC or Get a Tune-Up.

There’s never been a better time to book an A/C tune-up from Columbia Heating & Cooling. With our 0% interest financing for 6 months on all-new installations and tune-ups for just $159, our limited-time specials won’t be here for long.

Give us a call to get started taking care of your HVAC this summer at (503) 624-2704. Our team is standing by and ready to help!