Summer heat in Cary can put your AC unit to the test, and the last thing you want is for it to quit on the hottest day of the year. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping things cool and comfortable inside. Avoid surprise repairs with these simple tips to help your air conditioner run more efficiently all season long. 

1. Keep Up With Filter Changes
2. Check For Leaks
3. Close The Blinds
4. Upgrade Your Unit
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Keep Up With Filter Changes

Changing your air conditioning filter can be an easy thing to forget, but the reality is that these need to be swapped out every one to two months to keep your ac unit healthy and your energy bills low. It’s also important to know what type of air filter is right for your home. Air filters come with rating systems called MERV ratings. The type of air filter you choose depends on your lifestyle, so do your research or ask a professional!

Check For Leaks 

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your cooled air, and window AC units are often hard to seal completely. One easy way to spot leaks is with the old “smoke trick.”

Light a stick of incense and hold it where the window unit meets the frame, or near duct connections if you have central air. If the smoke wavers or blows around, you’ve got a leak. For ductwork, seal small gaps with foil tape and use duct mastic for larger cracks. For window units, fill gaps with foam and tape around the edges to help keep the cool air in.

Close The Blinds

Your AC unit has to work overtime trying to keep up with the heat created from the sun beating down on your home in the hot summer months. Simple tricks like keeping your blinds closed during the hotter parts of the day allow your AC unit to not have to run as hard. An overworked AC unit is an AC unit with a shorter lifespan. 

Upgrade Your Unit 

Upgrading your AC unit might seem like a big investment, but it can pay off quickly in energy savings and performance. Newer systems are designed to run more efficiently, using less electricity to keep your home cool, especially during peak summer heat. That means lower monthly utility bills and less strain on the unit itself. If your current system is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Scheduling professional maintenance is one of the smartest ways to keep your AC unit running at its best. A trained technician can catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs, clean and inspect components you might miss, and make sure everything is operating as efficiently as possible. Regular tune-ups not only help extend the life of your system but also ensure it’s cooling your home effectively without wasting energy. It’s a simple step that can save you money and headaches down the road.