By Eric Van Orden of Standard Renewable EnergyBoulder County residents have been enjoying cool, spring weather for the past few weeks, but the summer's heat is fast approaching. And with those long, hot summer days comes the need to turn on our home's cooling systems. But how do you know that your air conditioner is ready for the summer?
Get Your Cooling System in Top ShapeGetting your air conditioner inspected and tuned-up is like getting your car's oil changed before going on a long road trip – only in this case the long trip is the hot summer months! A tune-up now will give you peace of mind that your system will work reliably and efficiently when you need it most. And you'll stay more comfortable for less money, since a well-maintained system doesn't have to work as hard to keep your home cool.
Extend the Life of your SystemWhether your air conditioner or cooling system is new or several years old, it still needs to be maintained regularly to avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your system. Your system is exposed to harsh environments throughout the year, such as extreme temperature and weather conditions that can cause major wear and tear on your system. Not only that, but debris and other items have a tendency to build up around your cooling system units. This can restrict airflow, which in turn makes it harder to keep your home cool during the summer. It's important to make sure that this accumulated debris is removed and your outside condenser units are cleaned.
Avoid Costly BreakdownsNot only should your cooling systems be cleaned, but there are also several other checkpoints that a professional can inspect to ensure your system is going to be operating at peak performance all season long. These tune-ups include checking for leaks, replacing filters to increase air flow and improve air quality and lubricating all moving parts.
Cooling your home is one of the most costly expenses you incur as a homeowner, so it is important to keep your system tuned and maintained. Not only will it help prevent you from having to replace your system too early, but also with regular tune-ups your system will operate more efficiently and you'll save money on your energy costs.
Excerpts from an editorial in the Boulder Daily Camera, May 14.
