With Greater Columbia’s summer heat climbing into the 90s and humidity soaring, keeping your air conditioning system in top shape is essential for comfort and affordability. At AAA Heating & Air, we’re here to share practical summer HVAC maintenance tips to help our community stay cool while managing energy costs. These strategies are tailored to the needs of our region’s 847,804 residents, ensuring your home remains a haven during the hottest months.
1. Regularly Check Air Filters
Clogged air filters reduce airflow, driving up energy bills for Greater Columbia’s 305,642 occupied households, 70% of which are owner-occupied. One of the most effective summer HVAC maintenance tips is to inspect filters monthly and replace or clean them every 1-3 months. This is especially important in homes built around the 1989 median construction year, where dust buildup is common.
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Pro Tip: High-efficiency pleated filters improve air quality, benefiting the 40.67% Black or African American residents sensitive to allergens.
2. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A professional tune-up catches small issues before they become costly repairs, a key practice for the 20.7% of residents below the poverty line. Our AAA Heating & Air technicians check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and ensure your system is summer-ready, aligning with summer HVAC maintenance tips that save money.
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Why It Matters: A well-maintained system can reduce energy costs by up to 15%, helping households with a median income of $56,175.
3. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear
For homes valued at a median of $286,200, protecting your HVAC system preserves your investment. Clear debris like leaves or grass from your outdoor condenser unit, common in our lush region, and maintain a 2-foot clearance, cleaning gently with a hose. This is a simple yet critical summer HVAC maintenance tip.
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Local Insight: In Lexington’s newer homes (median year built: 2001), ensure landscaping supports airflow, vital for 64.45% owner-occupied units.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat reduces energy use when you’re away, perfect for the 47.8% of residents with bachelor’s degrees working in healthcare or manufacturing (2.75% employment growth). Set your thermostat to 78°F at home and higher when out to balance comfort and savings, a smart addition to summer HVAC maintenance tips.
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Cost-Saving Tip: Smart thermostats can save 10-12% on cooling, supporting diverse economic needs.
5. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Leaky ducts or poor insulation let cooled air escape, a concern for Columbia’s 58,905 housing units, many built around 1976. Seal windows, doors, and ductwork with caulk or weatherstripping, and insulate attics or walls to boost efficiency, aligning with best practices for summer HVAC maintenance tips.
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Community Benefit: Energy-efficient homes ease grid strain, supporting sustainability for our metro population.
6. Prepare for Summer Storms
Greater Columbia’s summer storms, highlighted in our “Summer Storm Services” content, can strain HVAC systems. Install surge protectors to guard against power surges and ensure proper drainage to prevent flooding. These precautions, rooted in summer HVAC maintenance tips, are crucial for the 50.13% White and other residents prioritizing preparedness.
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AAA Advice: Check your system after storms to avoid breakdowns, keeping your home comfortable.
Why Choose AAA Heating & Air?
AAA Heating & Air is your trusted partner in Greater Columbia, serving older Richland County homes and newer Lexington construction. Our affordable maintenance plans, energy-saving solutions, and 24/7 support make us a community staple. Visit CallAAAToday.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and local stories.
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Community Engagement: Connect with us for events and customer stories, building trust with our educated, diverse population.
Stay Cool with These Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips Today
Don’t let summer heat overwhelm your system. Apply these strategies for a comfortable, cost-effective home. Call (803) 889-0686 or CLICK HERE to access our 24/7 Service Request form and schedule your appointment with AAA Heating & Air. Stay cool and connected!
AAA Heating & Air proudly serves the Greater Columbia Metropolitan Area, including Richland, Lexington, and surrounding counties with expert summer HVAC maintenance tips.
Written by: Jared M. Sewell