LA HVAC: What You Should Do to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently this Fall

LA HVAC: What You Should Do to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently this Fall

.Ironically, temperatures in the LA region can be as hot or hotter in the fall than during the summer, making it important to keep your air conditioner clean and well-maintained. It will handle whatever late-season temperature spikes and Santa Ana winds efficiently and dependably.

• Check the air filter – A clean air filter traps more airborne particulates and keeps your system running efficiently. When too much dust accumulates on the filter, the air entering the air handler slows, lowering the volume of air flowing through it. It will take longer to cool your home, which drives up energy consumption. A dirty filter is also the primary cause of premature part and system failure.
• Clean the outdoor condenser – Some trees and shrubs start to drop their leaves in the fall and if they collect on or near the condenser, they will slow the release of heat from the refrigerant that circulates through the coil, driving up the time it takes to cool your home. Once you remove the vegetation, hose off the condensing coil and its fins with water to remove any dust that’s settled on them.It’s especially important to have clean coils during the Santa Anas, when airborne particulates and temperatures reach high levels. Once the weather does cool off for the season, leave the condenser uncovered to prevent insect and water damage.
• Have it professionally serviced – After the long cooling season, it’s a good idea to have your system professionally serviced. The HVAC professional will clean, tighten, and lubricate the parts, as well as inspect the heating side of your air conditioner—whether it’s a heat pump or a gas furnace. Should you need to run the A/C unexpectedly during the late fall, it’ll be in top condition and deliver the most efficiency possible.
• Replace it – If your system needs replacing, fall may be a good time to do it since HVAC manufacturers and contractors may want to liquidate their current stock and might offer various incentives.

If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your air conditioner this fall, contact Air-Tro, Inc., providing outstanding HVAC services for Los Angeles homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Los Angeles, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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