For most homeowners, air conditioners are complex, multi-component systems that sit outside (or up on the roof) humming along, providing a cool interior environment through sweltering Arizona summer heat. It’s not unusual for people to go an entire summer without giving air conditioning maintenance a thought – until something goes wrong. It is an unproven scientific fact that air conditioners tend to breakdown at exactly the worst times. What can a homeowner do to decrease the number of AC related emergencies and increase the indoor air quality enjoyment index?

There are how-to books and endless articles about the care and maintenance of your air conditioning system. There are YouTube videos explaining AC parts and how they work. But let’s face facts – most homeowners have neither the time nor inclination to attempt a do-it-yourself approach for something as crucial as air conditioning. The extensive electronics and intricate systems are simply too complex, require special tools and monitoring gauges, and are too important to be handled by untrained novices. The most important decision you can make when it comes to your air conditioning system is to choose a team of specialists to keep your air conditioner in top shape.

#1 – Change Your Air Filters Once a Month

During monsoon season, dust storms generate tons of wind-whipped dirt and dust in the Phoenix air. Mile high dust storms blotting out the sun are a sight to behold. However, all that dust can affect healthy breathing, especially for people with asthma or respiratory conditions. Living in the desert means indoor air quality is of tremendous importance to you and your family. During the summer months in Phoenix, most families spend over ninety percent of their time inside. When you get in the habit of changing your air conditioning air filters once a month, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in the indoor air quality in your home.

#2 – Embrace the New Wi-fi Enabled Programmable Thermostats

Many homeowners are reluctant to upgrade their thermostats. Two axioms come to mind: If something isn’t broken, don’t fix it, and human beings are, by nature, resistant to change. You may be happy with your current thermostat, but did you know you can save a lot of money with a new programmable thermostat? The fact is, changing your thermostat will probably take some getting used to. However, the benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience of learning a new system. Many of the new programmable thermostats are equipped with smart technology that tracks your schedule and learns your temperature preferences. With many models, you can tie your thermostat into an app on your phone which will enable you to adjust your home system from anywhere via your smart phone.

#3 – Schedule Regular Service Calls in the Spring and Fall

There’s no doubt that Phoenix is the hottest city in America. The desert climate is extremely demanding on your AC unit. Your air conditioner sits in the hot sun, exposed to the elements, cranking out the cold air for months at a time. Even though air conditioners are built to last, the best way to take care of them is with a preventive maintenance program. Scheduling two service calls per year ensures that your HVAC unit is ready for summer and winter. Why not call the pros at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating and see how simple and easy air conditioning maintenance can be.