By the end of April 2020, at least 316 million people had been urged to stay at home. State and city governments have issued various types of shelter in place orders to keep residents from heading to work, restaurants, and other daily activities.

Chances are, you’re among the majority of the world that’s quarantining at home. While you’re in quarantine, you’ll be spending much more time at home then you’re used to, and probably using more of your AC than you normally would.

While it’s getting more use, it’s important to think through AC maintenance plans. A proper maintenance plan will keep your AC working properly through quarantine and beyond.

1. Control Humidity

Most shelter-in-place orders in the U.S. began in March when most states were beginning to enter spring. With warmer weather comes higher humidity, so it’s important to monitor moisture levels.

If your home becomes too humid, your AC unit will need to work harder to remove moisture from the air and cool your home as efficiently as possible. Instead of cranking up your AC to get rid of humidity, try opening your windows as often as possible. The fresh air can help bring in cooler temperatures, but make sure you’re only opening the windows on drier days.

2. Prevent Allergens

During quarantine, you may be spending more time at parks and walking outside. Whenever you come inside, you may be bringing in dirt and debris that can end up inside your AC system.

As we head into spring, much of this debris will also be pollutants and allergens that can affect members of your household. To get rid of debris and prevent buildup, make sure you’re removing your shoes and clothing after you come in from the outdoors.

3. Clean Your Vents

While you’re inside, your AC unit should be producing good indoor air quality. Routinely cleaning your vents can help ensure proper flow and quality. You can easily clean your vents using a vacuum or a duster.

4. Replace Your Air Filters

Replacing your air filters is an important aspect of regular AC maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to replace your filter at least every month. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, you may need to monitor your filter more often to see if it’s getting clogged with debris faster.

5. Monitor Your Outdoor Unit

Don’t forget about your outdoor AC unit. Though units are designed to be durable, you can help them work more efficiently by cleaning them regularly.

Every month, check for debris like sticks, leaves, and dirt. Make sure nothing is obstructing the fan, or it could cause long-term damage.

Develop Professional AC Maintenance Plans

The best AC maintenance plans will come from manufacturers and technicians. We can provide specific instructions for indoor and outdoor HVAC systems. If your system breaks down while you’re at home, we can work quickly to provide repair services.

Contact us today to learn how we can keep your AC working efficiently through quarantine and summer.