Get your AC unit ready for summer

Well. That was an exciting weather weekend in Minnesota!

I suppose it’s safe to say that summer (at 100+ degrees) has officially arrived. In May!

For those who have a central air unit in your home, you’ll want to make sure it’s ready to face what could be a long, hot, muggy Minnesota summer.

If your HVAC system hasn’t been inspected in a while (or ever, to your knowledge) it’s probably time to have a licensed HVAC professional take a look at it and ensure it’s in good working order. We have some recommendations for how to vet a contractor, to ensure you’re hiring a quality, ethical professional.

For those of you who have had your HVAC system inspected more recently, a quick seasonal cleaning will go a long way toward ensuring the efficient function of your AC unit for the rest of the summer.

Consult your AC manufacturer for recommendations on how to best remove plant material that may be clogging the air intake – typically a wash-down with a hose or a once-over with a shop vac will do the job, but since AC units aren’t all built the same, it’s best to always check manufacturer’s recommendations.

It’s also time to change your furnace filter. When the system has to work extra hard to push air through a clogged filter, that put unnecessary stress on the AC unit.  Remember: furnace filters should be changed about every three months – consult your furnace manufacturer’s site for exact recommendations on how often you need to change your filter.

Finally, remember not to over-tax your AC by trying to maintain winter-cool temperatures indoors. When it’s 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, setting the thermostat at 65 means your AC unit is cooling your home by 35 degrees! Your AC unit will remove humidity from the air, and that alone should make slightly higher temperatures (low 70s) quite comfortable indoors.