6 things you should do to make sure your air conditioner is working at its best

It is scorching hot out during Kansas City’s summer months. You know to stay hydrated and wear sun protection, but it’s also important to make sure that your air conditioning is working properly.

Aside from just keeping your home a comfortable temperature, having air conditioning can also prevent heat related-illnesses, especially when temperatures get above 90 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In order to stay cool and safe, it might be time to schedule regular maintenance for your air condition system. If you have central air conditioning, you can hire a professional to come do a bi-annual check on the system. If you use window units, make sure the air conditioner is clean and installed properly.

When an air conditioning unit or system is working in tip top shape, you might forget to even think about it but when the system is down, the whole house will feel it. So, here are some tips for maintaining your air conditioner and avoiding any outages this summer.

What you need to know if you have central air:

If you have central air conditioning, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it is running properly.

Don’t turn the temperature too high, when you’re not home

Raising the temperature too high during the day when you’re not at home can make it hard for your air conditioner to get back down to a cooler temperature at night, according to Roger the Plumber’s general manager Hunter Hamilton.

“So you can bump it up a little bit during the day, but I wouldn’t pump it up more than four or five degrees during the day,” he said. “Because it’s gonna have to run really long to get back down to temperature.”

Make sure to change your filter

Changing out your air conditioning filter is a great way to keep you a/c clean and free from any blockage, according to Hamilton.

“Keeping your filter clean is one of the most important things you should do,” Hamilton said.

Try changing your air conditioning filter every 30 to 90 days for maximum efficiency. Check out this video to learn how to change your filter. Hamilton also suggests that people make sure that the filter they buy is the right fit for the air conditioning system.

Picking the right filter.

Sometimes brands promote higher grade filters that can catch a lot of dust and debris, but they can make your AC less efficient since higher grade filters are easier to block. Instead of buying a filter that’s higher grade, Hamilton suggests buying a filter that is normal grade and just remember to change it out on a regular basis.

To know what grade you’re buying, look for a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or “MERV” rating. The MERV rating should be right on the front of the packaging. Hamilton said the average home typically uses a one inch filter and should shy away from any filter with a MERV rating above 10.

If your system uses a five inch filter, you can usually get away with up to MERV 11, Hamilton said.

“If your system is not properly designed for that level of airflow, then you could be doing more damage, [instead] you need a lower MERV filter,” he said.

Keep your outside condenser clean

Keeping your outside condenser clean is another way to maximize your air conditioning. The condenser is the part of the air conditioning system that sucks the hot air from the home and releases it outside.

If you want to make sure that it’s working efficiently, make sure there are no plants growing on it or around it. If there is any dirt or dust on it or near the fan, try to clean it up as best you can.

Hamilton said in Kansas City, many homes see an excess of cottonwood seeds on or near their outdoor condenser as well.

“Cottonwoods seeds are a big one that we see,” Hamilton said. “Cottonwood seeds really clogs up condensers.”

If you need help cleaning the condenser, consider calling a professional.

Make sure to adjust your damper

An HVAC damper helps to regulate airflow in the house. The damper can be adjusted with a small lever-like contraption that’s located in the ductwork.

“[Its] a little piece of metal inside your ductwork that will turn off and turn back on certain sections of your ductwork,” Hamilton said adding that it’s important to adjust the damper in the summertime.

Most homes might even have a note that says summer and winter next to the little lever and can be switched manually. If you need more help, you can always ask a technician to come out and check that it is one the right setting. Here’s a video on how to adjust your damper.

Schedule routine maintenance

The best way to avoid your AC going out in the middle of a heat wave is to have it looked at by a technician for routine maintenance. Hamilton said you should get your cooling and heating system checked out twice a year. During those visits, technicians can make sure that the system is properly cleaned and can let you know if there is any work that needs to be done to prevent future outages.

What if I have a window unit?

Keeping your window unit pumping is also a major priority in this heat.

First, do not put any lamps or televisions near the air conditioner. The thermostat on the unit can sense any heat emitting from those objects and can cause the air conditioner to work overtime, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Setting the fan speed on high can also help cool the area down. However, on humid days, keeping the unit’s fan on low can help cool and remove moisture from the air in the room. You can also use a secondary fan to help your air conditioner keep the room or area cool. This will also help spread the cool air throughout the house, according to DOE.

Replacing or cleaning the filter every four to six weeks will also help the unit keep your home cool, according to Front King, a home-improvement and weatherization brand.

Lastly, make sure that the air conditioner itself is installed correctly and that it is insulated and there is no air leaking.

If you are having trouble with your air conditioner or don’t have the means for one, here’s a guide on who you can call to help you ride out this heat wave.

If you have more tips on how to maintain your air conditioning system, feel free to send them to KCQ@kcstar.com.