The temperatures are rising now that summer is fast approaching, so air conditioning is essential for many people. However, before the nasty heatwave strikes, it’s critical to prep your air conditioning system and home to ensure that you and your family stay cool and comfy all summer long. Apart from sanitizing your AC, paying attention to indoor air cleaning is essential to avoid breathing in indoor air pollutants.
Monitoring indoor air quality with IAQ products before closing all the windows and doors in preparation for AC use is vital so you don’t recirculate and breathe dirty air. Contrary to what people believe, indoor air pollution is a significant health concern. Interior air becomes polluted through normal respiration, tobacco use, fumes from showering and cooking, or using cleaning products. Hence, it’s essential to learn how to prep your AC so you can follow indoor air quality guidelines while getting your home ready for the summer.
Schedule a Pro AC Tune-Up
Before summer starts, it’s best to schedule a professional tune-up to ensure your unit functions correctly. This service involves the following:
- Cleaning the coils for efficiency
- Checking the freon or refrigerant levels
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce wear and tear
With proper maintenance, your AC will run more efficiently, keeping energy expenses low. More importantly, it will prevent unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days and guarantee you’ll breathe clean air that passes IAQ standards.
Noteworthy, if you have the funds, ask the pros about upgrading to a smart thermostat. This device adjusts the temperature automatically, saving you tons of money in the long run.
Replace Air Filters
The air filter removes dust, pollen, and other air particles. When this is clogged, it obstructs the airflow, making your AC work harder. Indoor air quality strategies encourage regular replacement of air filters every three months for optimal AC efficiency. Otherwise, you risk breathing dirty air. If you have allergies and pets, replace the filter more often and use an IAQ sensor to monitor air quality.
Seal Air Leaks
Windows, doors, and ductwork can have leaks that let in warm air. Even walls and floors may have tiny hairline cracks. As a result, the AC works harder to cool your space. Make sure you seal air leaks by using the following:
- Caulking
- Weather strips
- Spray foam insulation
These measures will not only prevent warm air from entering your home and reduce your energy bills, but they prevent pollutants and pests from coming in. Double check if your sealing work is successful with indoor air quality sensors that provide accurate readings of particles in your home.
Make It a Point to Close Curtains and Blinds
When the sun is at its peak, close your curtains and blinds to deter the UV rays from heating your home. Investing in blackout curtains helps since they block harsh rays to keep your home cooler.
Prep your AC and home for the summer heat so you’ll stay cool when it’s sweltering outside. Besides, energy-saving measures keep your bills low while helping mother earth. And, of course, don’t forget to check pollution levels with an indoor air quality monitor like uHoo while using other IAQ solutions like an air purifier and HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to free your home of airborne particles. When you’re prepared, you can stay cool in your climate-controlled space without worries and beat the summer heat!
