Getting ready for a hot summer? Here’s how you can maintain your air conditioner

An AC unit and filtre are pictured.

It’s expected to be a hot summer and as the heat rises you’ll want to do what you can to keep cool.

The recent heatwave had many air conditioners working overtime, and if you already have one but it isn’t as efficient as it used to be, it may need some attention to keep it running smoothly.

Consumer Reports suggests some tips on what you should be checking before calling a repair.

Firstly, you should check the air filter.

“A dirty air filter can restrict the air flow which reduce the AC unit’s ability to cool the room,” says Chris Regan of Consumer Reports.

Window units typically have a reusable filter you can vacuum and wash with soap and water. For central ACs check the manual to see how often the filter should be replaced.

“You’ll most likely have to replace your air filter more often if you have pets because their hair can clog up the filter,” Regan said.

A ceiling fan can help cool you down if you don’t have air conditioning, or even if you do. Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature in a room but cool you off by moving air around.

“We have the ceiling fans on all day long in the entire house to help us cool off and it’s important because it saves our electricity bill and really helps extend the life of our AC,” said Regan.

When used with an air conditioner you can raise the temperature about two degrees Celsius and feel just as cool.

Consumer Reports also recommends using a smart or programmable thermostat.

“Using a programmable thermostat is really the most effective way to save money and it’ll even help you save money on heating bills in the winter,” he said.

When it’s time to buy a new air conditioner, there are also some things you should know, to get the right AC unit for the room.

First step is matching the AC unit to the room.

One that is too small may never cool the space. One that’s too large can cycle on and off too quickly, leaving the room humid while also wasting energy.

If you’re tired of installing and removing window units every year, there is another, more expensive option: a ductless mini-split. These systems have an outdoor unit and one or more indoor wall-mounted units.

“Mini-splits are a good option if you lack the duct work for central air conditioning. Mini splits can cool large spaces. They’re very efficient, too, sometimes more than central ac. As a bonus, they can also heat rooms,” says Yasmeen Khan, also of Consumer Reports.

On a hot day draw the shades in your home to keep direct sunlight out and if you can’t cool down your entire home consider a window air conditioner where you sleep so you’ll have at least one room where you can beat the heat.

It’s also recommended that if you are using a window air conditioner, place it in a window that’s in the shade. If the unit is placed directly in sunlight, it will be forced to work much harder to try and cool your home.