Now that the summer heat is here,

it is a good time to discuss the maintenance of your AC system. Each condo has their own system and the maintenance is important to keep things cool and running efficiently.

1) Keep the temperature set at a moderate setting between 73 and 76, adjust as needed. Keep in mind, the temperature you set your AC at is not a control for the temperature of the air coming in. Setting the thermostat to a low temperature only means your system will run longer and harder to get to the set temperature. In most cases, your AC system can only lower or maintain a temperature that is approximately 20 degrees lower that the outside temperature. If the outside temperature is 95 then most systems will work well when the thermostat is set around 75, setting the thermostat much lower than 75 will cause the system to run constantly.

2) Change the air filter every 30 -45 days in the summer time. With summer you get more particulates in the air, pets shed, and in general we are more active. All this will mean extra work for your filter and a dirty filter is the main cause of many AC problems. Changing the filter often can also help with seasonal allergies as the filter will help remove pollen and other allergy causing particulates from the air being circulated by your AC system.

3) Condensation! Every AC unit produces condensation by removing humidity from the air as it is cooling it, this condensation will collect in a pan at the bottom of your AC system and eventually drain out through a drain line. This water unfortunately is also subject to algae growth if it is allowed to sit in the condensate lines or pans for too long. This algae growth can clog the drain lines and backflow into your home. Having your AC system serviced on a regular basis can help address and possibly prevent this from happening. There are tablets and strips you can purchase at just about any home improvement store that you can put in your condensate pan to treat the water and help prevent the algae.

If you have not had your AC system serviced recently, now is a good time to call and schedule this. Generally the AC company will inspect the system, clean your coils, check your refrigerant levels and clear your condensate drain lines.