If you live in Southern California there is no doubt you have been inundated with news reports about how hot this summer is expected to be. We are just getting into June, and already we are getting reports that triple-digit heat can be here in less than a few weeks. This isn’t We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air’s first time dealing with summer heat, so here is what we can tell you about your HVAC system leading up to a heatwave.

Maintenance is key – When a heatwave is in full swing that is when people start calling HVAC companies for repairs instead of service. Air conditioners that may have been neglected for months or even years will usually give out when they are under stress. This stress is most commonly caused by homeowners running their air conditioner for longer periods of time due to inefficiency, which puts additional load on the system. The inefficiency of an air conditioning system can usually be mitigated with regular service. When a professional service technician comes out to inspect your air conditioner they will be able to spot coolant deficiencies, clogged filters, and weakened system components. By spotting potential issues and inefficiencies ahead of time you can avoid a long wait for service during our infamous Southern California heatwaves.

Replace air filters – Replacing dirty or old air filters is a key component of your air conditioner’s efficiency and longevity. When an air filter becomes clogged, it gets more difficult for your air conditioner to circulate air. The more difficult it is for your HVAC system to circulate air the harder it has to work and the longer it has to run. When you combine a dirty air filter with an unusually hot summer, the conditions become perfect for HVAC system failure. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on your specific air filter to see how often they recommend replacing the filters. At We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air we always recommend swapping out air filters once per month to keep your system running at peak efficiency.

Do not ignore warning signs – While getting your air conditioning system serviced is not at the top of most people’s list of things to do before it breaks, that is exactly when it should be at the top of your list. If you are hearing your air conditioner making odd sounds, it is running louder than normal, it is running for longer than normal, or it is taking longer to cool your home than normal; these are signs there is trouble. The time to call for HVAC service is when your air conditioner is still working and it is not an emergency. Calling for service when it is hot and your air conditioner is not working is a recipe for a miserable time in your own home. By heading off the warning signs before there is a huge issue you can avoid a heatwave in your home as well as longer wait times for emergency service.

If your air conditioner is exhibiting any of the warning signs listed above, or you have any questions about keeping your air conditioning system in great working order prior to our next California heatwave please contact us today. We look forward to helping you beat this summer.

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