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Riverside summers are legendary for their intensity and duration. When the triple-digit temperatures arrive, your air conditioning system becomes the most important appliance in your home. However, waiting until the first heatwave to test your unit can lead to uncomfortable surprises.
Taking a few proactive steps now ensures your home stays cool while keeping your energy bills manageable. This guide breaks down the most effective ways to get your cooling system ready for the long road ahead.
Don’t wait for a heatwave to find out your AC is struggling. Reach out to the friendly team at ServLegacy Air Conditioning and Heating today by calling (951) 291-9954 or filling out our online contact form to ensure your home stays a cool sanctuary all summer long.
Check and Change Your Air Filters
The simplest thing you can do for your air conditioning system is also one of the most important. Air filters catch dust, pollen, and pet hair, preventing them from entering your equipment. When a filter gets too dirty, it acts like a wall, forcing your AC to work much harder to pull in air. This extra strain can lead to higher utility bills and may eventually cause the system to overheat.
During a Riverside summer, dust and allergens are common. You should check your filter every 30 days. If it looks gray or fuzzy, it is time for a replacement. Keeping a fresh filter in place helps your home stay cleaner and allows your AC to breathe easily.
- Check your filter monthly during peak summer months.
- Use the recommended filter size from your manufacturer.
- Keep a small supply of filters in your garage so you always have one on hand.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioner has two main parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser. The outdoor unit’s job is to release the heat collected from inside your home into the outside air. If this unit is crowded by overgrown bushes, weeds, or stored items, the heat has nowhere to go. This makes the cooling process much less efficient.
Take a walk around your home and inspect the area surrounding the condenser. You want to provide at least two feet of clear space on all sides. This allows for maximum airflow, which helps the machine stay cool while it works.
- Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that have grown near the unit.
- Remove any dried leaves or grass clippings stuck in the metal fins.
- Avoid stacking firewood or garden tools against the AC housing.
Inspect Your Ductwork for Leaks
Think of your ducts as the "highways" that carry cool air to every room. If those highways have cracks or holes, the cold air you are paying for will leak into your attic or crawlspace instead of reaching your living room. This often results in "hot spots" where one room feels significantly warmer than the rest of the house.
While some duct issues require professional help, you can do a quick visual check. Look for disconnected pipes or sections where the silver tape is peeling away. Sealing these gaps can make a noticeable difference in how quickly your home cools down in the afternoon.
- Check registers and vents to ensure they aren't blocked by furniture or curtains.
- Look for visible dust streaks around vent covers, which can indicate leaks.
- Ensure all vents are open; closing vents in unused rooms can actually increase pressure and cause damage.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Early
While DIY tasks are great for general upkeep, a complex machine needs a professional eye once a year. A standard AC maintenance visit involves a deep cleaning and a safety check. A technician can spot small issues, like a worn-out belt or a loose wire, before they turn into an expensive emergency in the middle of July.
Professional service also includes checking your refrigerant levels. If your system is low on refrigerant, it won't be able to remove heat effectively, no matter how long it runs. Getting this checked in the spring means you can beat the "summer rush" when technicians are often booked out for weeks.
- A professional can clean the evaporator coils that you cannot reach.
- Technicians check electrical connections to prevent fire hazards.
- Routine service helps your system run as efficiently as possible for its age.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
How you interact with your thermostat plays a big role in how your system handles the heat. Many homeowners try to "help" their AC by setting the temperature to 60 degrees when they get home, thinking it will cool the house faster. In reality, an AC cools at the same speed regardless of the setting. It just runs longer to reach lower temperatures.
Consider installing a programmable or "smart" thermostat. These devices can automatically raise the temperature slightly when you are at work and lower it before you get home. This reduces the total "run time" of your system, helping extend its lifespan and lowering your monthly costs.
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you are away from home.
- Avoid placing lamps or electronics near the thermostat, as the heat they emit can confuse the sensor.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air, so you feel comfortable at a slightly higher temperature.
Watch for Warning Signs
Even with the best preparation, parts can wear out over time. Being aware of how your system sounds and smells can help you catch a problem before the unit stops working entirely. If you notice a sudden change, it is usually better to request an AC repair sooner rather than later.
Common red flags include strange banging or screeching noises, a musty odor coming from the vents, or water pooling around the indoor unit. If your AC starts cycling on and off every few minutes, it is a sign that something is wrong. Paying attention to these signals can save you from a completely hot house on a Sunday afternoon.
- Listen for unusual rattling or buzzing sounds during startup.
- Keep an eye on your energy bill for unexpected spikes.
- Feel the air coming from your vents; it should be consistently cold, not lukewarm.
Help Your Home Stay Naturally Cooler
Your air conditioner doesn't have to do all the work alone. By reducing the amount of heat that enters your home in the first place, you give your AC a much-needed break. Riverside’s sun is intense, especially on windows facing south or west.
Closing your blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day acts as a shield. Additionally, try to avoid using the oven or clothes dryer during the afternoon. These appliances generate a lot of internal heat, which your AC then has to work to remove. Simple habits like these can make your home feel significantly more comfortable.
- Use blackout curtains on sun-facing windows.
- Cook on an outdoor grill to keep heat out of the kitchen.
- Check the weather stripping around your doors to keep the cool air inside.
Partner with Local Experts
Preparing for a long Riverside summer is all about being proactive. By following these steps, you can help ensure your cooling system is ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it. A little bit of attention today goes a long way toward a comfortable, stress-free summer for you and your family.
If you need a hand getting your system into top shape, ServLegacy Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. Our team understands the unique challenges of our local climate and is dedicated to keeping your home comfortable all year long. Whether you need a quick check-up or have questions about your system’s performance, we are just a phone call away.
Keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the long Riverside summer. Contact ServLegacy Air Conditioning and Heating at (951) 291-9954 or visit our contact page to schedule your professional cooling system inspection today.