The weather is warming up, and it’s time to prep your A/C unit for summer cooling. It’s also the best time to evaluate your energy usage, as running your A/C will increase your energy bill.

A malfunctioning air conditioning unit may cause your home temperatures to soar to uncomfortable heights. Plus, it may cause your expenses may also go up. Preventive maintenance is vital to a cool summer home while keeping costs on track.

And for any tasks you can’t do yourself, the Doctor Fix-It professionals are ready and waiting to help. Give them a call or contact them on their website to set up an appointment today!

When to Start Your A/C Prep for Summer

The best time to prep your A/C unit for summer cooling is once average outward temperatures reach 65 degrees or above. It’s also the best time to evaluate your energy usage, as running your A/C will increase your energy bill.

Most Common Maintenance Issues

You can easily recognize the most common A/C maintenance issues that require immediate attention:

• A/C running constantly.
• A/C is not turning on.
• No cooling airflow.
• Hot air blowing out.
• Refrigerant or water leaking.
• Unit turns on and off repeatedly.
• Circuit breaker tripping.
• Strange smells.
• Weird noises.

6 Simple Things You Should Do Yourself

When your A/C sits idle for months, a few simple maintenance tricks will ensure efficient operation when the temperatures start to soar.

• • Start with safety first. You should turn off the circuit breaker before doing any work on your A/C unit.
  • Clean or replace the filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce your unit’s efficiency.
  • Clean the air conditioning unit’s condenser coils and fan off debris using an air compressor or shop-vac.
  • Clear any debris from the condenser base and clear the drain. Use a vacuum or rag to clean the blower’s fan blades. Dry out any excess water inside the unit.
  • Look at the foam-insulated coolant lines for areas where the insulation is frayed or missing. Replace the foam with new foam insulation sleeves or use foam insulation tape.

• Turn the power back on and test the unit by changing your thermostat.
• Keep landscaping such as shrubs and bushes trimmed back from your outdoor condenser unit to minimize debris entering the unit.

Leave Your A/C On or Turn It Off?

Your A/C’s primary job is maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the hot weather months. Cranking the A/C on and off makes for higher energy bills and adds extra strain on the unit because it is working harder to cool a sweltering house. This additional strain can age the unit prematurely with the added wear and tear. Instead of turning your A/C entirely off, try turning the temperature up when you’re not home.

Smart thermostats assist in managing the schedule for your heating and cooling. Use them to program higher temperatures for times you aren’t home or are asleep. Not only will you save energy, but it will also improve the life span of your system.

Time to Call the Experts?

There are four signs that it’s time to call in the experts for your A/C tune-up or repair services:

• Odd noises. Clicking, squeaking, squealing, or anything other than a monotonous hum is a sure sign of something wrong.
• Poor airflow, warm air or fluctuating temperatures, and uneven cooling.
• Unusual or unpleasant smells.
• Water leaks.

Any of these signal it’s probably time to call an A/C repair service near you like Doctor Fix-It. Don’t forget to monitor your utility bill for unusual increases. That’s another signal that it’s time to seek an expert A/C repair service near your location.

Time for Replacement of Your A/C System?

An expert can determine when it’s time to replace your existing unit. The life span of an older A/C unit is 10 to 12 years—newer models more than double that life span. Well-maintained systems last longer. You may experience more frequent breakdowns as your unit reaches the end of its lifespan.

When you notice your cooling system is working less efficiently than before or that your temperature is not properly adjusting, it may be time to replace your system. R-22 Freon, a common refrigerant in older models, has become obsolete due to adverse effects on the environment. If your A/C suffers a breakdown and needs this type of freon for repair, replacement is the only option.

Different homes have different needs. Home size and budget are often the guiding principles for new A/C units. Doctor Fix-It can help determine if you need a window unit, split unit, or centralized A/C.

Service That Won’t Break the Bank – Deals from Doctor Fix-It

One of the best ways to maintain your equipment is through a service plan. With Doctor Fix-It, your service plan includes an annual A/C tune-up, furnace tune-up, plumbing inspection, and electrical inspection. The company’s highly trained service technicians will thoroughly check your system and make any recommendations for repairs. If your equipment has been regularly serviced, your A/C should not be experiencing breakdowns during the summer months.

Doctor Fix-It offers budget-friendly payment plans, including an option for 12 months with no interest and no payments with a fixed APR. Current specials include a $49 A/C tune-up that is waived if the technician finds issues and you purchase repairs. The City of Denver offers significant instant rebates for new heat pumps, and Xcel Energy offers significant rebates on high-efficiency systems. As an added benefit to clients, Dr, Fix-It submits all paperwork involved with those rebates.

As the Colorado seasons change, be prepared with A/C service or tune-up from a reliable maintenance company near you. Everyone in your home will be glad you did!

Contact your Denver-area Doctor Fix-It location at 303-993-1550 to schedule an appointment for a no-charge estimate today!