Many homeowners in Missouri wonder when the best time is to turn their air conditioners on for the cooling season. It’s smart to think about, especially since using AC too early could have negative effects. Although it might be tempting to switch the AC on when temperatures start rising, here’s information you should know first.
Understanding Spring and Summer Temperatures
Lee’s Summit, MO has an average January low of 24°F and an average July high of 88°F. Temperatures throughout Missouri can, of course, vary from one region to the next. Generally speaking, the state tends to start warming up significantly between May and June.
Can Running the AC in Cold Weather Damage the Unit?
Running your air conditioner in cold weather could damage the appliance. You shouldn’t run it in temperatures lower than 60 degrees, as this could lead to several problems. Uneven cooling, frozen coils, and compressor failure are only a few of the potential issues.
Based on general average monthly temperatures, you may be able to start operating the AC without issue during the day in April when high temperatures average in the high 60s. However, average lows don’t reach the 60s until June. If you want to turn your AC on, make sure to check the outdoor temperature first.
What Are Situations in Which I Should Turn the AC On Early?
Consider your household members as well as the outdoor temperature when deciding the best time to turn on your AC. If you live with children, heat-sensitive individuals, pregnant women, or pets, you may want to start cooling your house sooner rather than later for their safety and comfort.
Should I Replace My AC Before the Cooling Season?
Whether you should replace it depends on the appliance’s condition. An air conditioner’s general lifespan is between 15 and 20 years. However, it usually becomes less efficient and starts experiencing more problems around age 10. Frequent repairs are one of the major signs that your system needs replacement. If the repair costs are at least half the price of a new unit, replacing it might be a good idea.
Should you decide to replace your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to do it before the cooling season starts. This allows you to have a safe, well-functioning system that can cool your home properly and work efficiently.
Signs You Should Turn on Your Air Conditioner
The longer you can hold out on turning on your air conditioner, the better. Many homeowners wait until there are consistent days of temperatures in the mid-70s. Experiencing high indoor humidity may also inspire you to put it on early. One of the biggest signs is if you’re having a hard time sleeping due to it feeling too warm. It’s important not to sacrifice your health or well-being.
Alternative Cooling Methods Before Turning on Your AC
Rather than putting your AC on right away once the temperatures start warming up, there are several alternate cooling methods you can try instead. For example, you could use a ceiling fan, a window fan, or a box fan. Using a dehumidifier is another option. It reduces humidity levels, making your home feel cooler without you having to lower the temperature. Running your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans can also be helpful.
During the day, keep windows and blinds closed to prevent direct sunlight from streaming in. When temperatures drop at night, open your windows to create a cross breeze. This also allows you to increase ventilation in your home, which improves indoor air quality.
Balancing Comfort and Energy Costs
Turning your AC on early means it’s going to run longer during the warmer months, which can increase your seasonal utility costs. However, if you want to turn it on early, it’s best to do so strategically. For example, you could put it on for a couple of hours only during the warmest parts of the day. Another tactic is using the oven to cook when it’s coolest out instead of when temperatures are at their peak. Developing a plan could help you keep utility costs to a minimum.
Scheduling a Professional Appointment
Scheduling professional air conditioning maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your system. A technician can provide expert insight into when you should turn on your air conditioner based on the local climate and your household members. However, the biggest perk is that you can better understand your system’s condition.
The maintenance appointment allows our technicians to spot minor issues and address them to keep them from worsening. An inspection is crucial before you start running your AC regularly. Problems could strain your system, decreasing its lifespan, increasing your utility bills, and resulting in unexpected breakdowns.
Booking spring maintenance ensures your system is in good condition for summer. During our appointment, we will perform various tasks to help your unit run optimally. For example, we will clean components, check electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and test safety controls. If your cooling system needs repairs, planning early allows plenty of time to get them done before the hot weather arrives.
To prepare for our visit, we request that you clear a pathway to both the outdoor condenser and the indoor unit so that we have room to work safely. Additionally, as much as we love animals, please keep them secure and away from the worksite for their safety and ours. Also, an adult, preferably the homeowner, must be home during the appointment. This ensures we have access to all the necessary areas of the home and can ask questions if necessary.
DIY Tasks Before Turning on the System
You should leave most tasks involving your HVAC system to the professionals. However, there are several that homeowners can safely do. For instance, clear away anything that’s near your outdoor condenser. It needs at least 5 feet of vertical clearance and 2 feet of horizontal clearance on all sides. Move barbecue grills, fire pits, furniture, coolers, and anything else that could restrict airflow. You should also clear greenery, including grass, as it could block airflow and grow into the unit.
Changing the filter is another important task. You need to do this every one to three months. However, if there are seniors, pets, allergy sufferers, immunocompromised individuals, or children in the home, it’s best to do it more often. Start by turning off the air conditioner for safety. Remove the dirty filter, replace it with a clean one, and turn the appliance back on when you’re finished.
Keep your air conditioner working optimally throughout the summer with First Mate Heating & Cooling in Lee’s Summit, MO. Call today, or contact us online to book our high-quality AC services.
