Three Things To Do Before Turning On Your A/C

With the summer months upon us here in the Spokane, WA area, now is the perfect time to think about your air conditioning. But before you flip the switch on for the first time this season, there are three things you must do to ensure that is ready to go when the heat of summer hits.

1. Uncover your outdoor air conditioning unit – While this might seem like a very logical statement, at Sturm Heating and Air Conditioning, we regularly get calls for an A/C unit that is not working properly, only to find that it was not uncovered. If your unit is not uncovered, it will not have proper air flow to function efficiently, and you could risk serious damage to your A/C.
2. Schedule a tune up – During the months that your air conditioner is not in use, it is subject to a lot of different environmental factors. Bugs and other pests can get into the plugs and wires, which can cause them to stop working properly. Additionally, condenser could can become clogged with grease, dust and other debris. The coolant lines are also subject to wear and tear. An experienced A/C technician should examine the lines to ensure that there are no leaks or kinks. Additionally they should check to make sure the lines are properly insulated. Damage coolant lines must be replaced or your A/C unit will not function properly. 
3. Check the fan – Turn your A/C on and walk outside to observe how it is running. The condenser fan should be free form obstructions and operate smoothly. If the fan is not running at peak performance, turn it off and call your technician. For safety reasons, Sturm Heating & Air does not recommend that you do any work around the fan. They'll safely unplug the unit from its power source and check for and clean debris and any other cause that would hinder its performance. A fan that is not operating properly can cause the motor to burn out and render the unit unusable. 

If you have questions about your air conditioning using, would like to schedule a tune-up or are having HVAC issues, contact the professionals at Sturm Heating and Air Conditioning! We will provide you with the very best in air conditioning repair, furnace repair and HVAC installation. For more information, please visit our website or call (509) 325-4505.

The Importance of Changing the Filter on Your Heating/ AC Unit

Warmer months probably have you thinking about outdoor fun and enjoyment but don't forget to take a moment to consider your home's air conditioner performance and quality. Summer is the time when air conditioning units get the most use. Changing your unit's filter regularly ensures your system will run more efficiently and maintain better air quality.

Energy Star recommends that you check your unit's air filter monthly and change it every 1-3 months. A filter clogged with dust or pet dander make the unit work harder to heat and cool your home. Having a clean filter allows air to circulate more freely through the system, saving you energy costs and extending the life of your unit.

Because and air filter affects indoor air quality, it is also important from a health standpoint to inspect heating and air conditioning filters regularly. Replace it if it looks brown, dirty, or clogged. Always replace a filter that feels damp, to prevent mold growth. Indoor air quality is important for everyone, but if someone in the home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, it is especially important to make sure the unit is running with a clean filter. Those who run their units year-round, own pets, smoke, or have had construction or a wildfire in the area should also change the filter more frequently.

Replacing your heating and air conditioning filter regularly is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid costly repairs and replacements. It is also and easy step to take towards lowering your energy bill, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining a clean indoor air environment. Avoiding an overworked, inefficient unit will help keep your heating and air conditioning unit in operation and cut down on allergens and pollutants in your home.

If your heater or air conditioner isn't working, save some time and money by first checking and changing your air filter. This simple step can save you a service call and get your system running in no time!

Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning is an employee-owned, leading heating and air conditioning contractor serving the greater Spokane, WA area. Servicing all brands, our goal is to help with all of your heating and air conditioning needs, including furnace repair, air conditioning repair, and tune-ups. For more information, please visit our website or call (509) 325-4505.