Boulder is known for its warm summers and cold winters. While the temperature can sometimes go as low as 6°F or as high as 95°F, it normally stays between 22°F and 87°F.

As the seasons change, caring for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial. With the weather getting colder, the right AC maintenance tips can prevent future breakdowns and ensure your AC is ready for optimal performance next year.

Understanding Boulder’s Seasonal Impact on Air Conditioners

For the best air conditioning seasonal preparation, it’s important to understand Boulder’s seasonal impact on air conditioners. Temperature fluctuation, dust, debris, and changing humidity can impact your system’s performance. Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, the top HVAC service provider in Boulder, Collins, and Northern Colorado, can help ensure your system is ready for any season and have provided useful insights in this article

Temperature Fluctuations

Thanks to Boulder’s cold, snowy winters, it’s important to protect your outdoor unit from snow and ice formation. A wood board with something heavy on top can keep snow, ice, and falling leaves from getting into your HVAC unit.

Boulder’s rapid changes in summertime temperature can end up straining your HVAC unit. In fact, there have been seven times in Boulder’s history that the temperature changed by more than 60°F in one day.

Dust and Debris

Winter isn’t the only time you have to worry about high winds in Boulder. Early spring is also a windy time of year. When winds increase, your air conditioner is more likely to get dust and debris inside it. As a result, you may need more frequent air filter changes or HVAC cleanings. You’ll also need to keep fall leaves out of your AC unit during autumn.

Humidity Levels

Boulder is considered a high desert area, so there is very little humidity in the summer and winter months. However, humidity levels can go up during other seasons. Changing humidity levels can affect your AC performance and your home’s comfort, so you may want to check into getting a humidifier for your home.

Spring: Getting Your AC Ready for the Heat

Before the weather warms up, prepare your home for the heat with these steps.

• Inspect and Clean Air Filters: Depending on your air filters, you should clean or replace your filters every 30 to 90 days. This helps ensure proper airflow in your home.
• Check Thermostat Settings: To see if your thermostat is set correctly, try changing the temperature. Your air conditioner should switch on without a problem. Then, make sure you set the thermostat to the right temperature.
• Clean Outdoor Unit: Take some time to remove debris from around the outdoor unit. After ensuring the AC is turned off, use a hose to wash off your condenser coils.
• Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: Part of your air conditioning seasonal preparation should be getting your AC checked out in springtime before the weather warms up.

Summer: Maintaining Peak Performance

For your home cooling solutions to work throughout the summer, you need regular maintenance and monitoring during your peak usage.

• Monitor Energy Bills: Pay attention to your energy bills. If there’s something wrong with your air conditioner, you’ll often see unusual spikes on your bill.
• Keep Vents Clear: One of the easiest AC maintenance tips is to keep your vents unblocked. Remove furniture, clothes, potted plants, or toys that could be blocking the vents.
• Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can distribute cool air, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. They can also help you feel comfortable at a higher temperature, so you can use less electricity to cool your home.
• Regularly Check the System: Throughout the summer, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear or unusual noises. If you do notice a problem, call an HVAC professional for help.

Fall: Preparing for Cooler Weather

As you transition into fall, there are a few ways you can prepare your AC for reduced usage.

• Adjust Thermostat Settings: When the weather cools, you can lower your thermostat and enjoy better energy efficiency.
• Inspect Ductwork: Remember to look for leaks and blockages in your ducts. Sealing the leaks can help your HVAC system work better.
• Clean and Cover the Outdoor Unit: A good AC cover or a wooden board can stop leaves, dirt, and debris from getting into your AC.
• Schedule a Maintenance Check: A routine maintenance check can determine if your AC is in good condition before winter arrives.

Winter: Protecting Your AC Unit

The Boulder climate impact can be intense during winter months if you don’t winterize your AC properly. Use the following HVAC care tips to prevent damage.

• Turn Off Power to the Unit: Make sure the unit is switched off, so it doesn’t end up turning on in cold weather.
• Cover the Outdoor Unit: A weatherproof cover can protect your AC from snow and ice.
• Inspect Insulation: All of your pipes and ducts should be properly insulated before winter sets in.
• Check for Pests: You don’t want pests to get in the unit because this can cause foul odors and AC damage.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

You should do routine AC maintenance throughout the year. Other than helping you identify and repair issues right away, AC maintenance tips can help in a few other important ways.

• Improved Efficiency: Routine maintenance helps to increase your AC’s efficiency.
• Extended Lifespan: A well-maintained AC will likely last longer.
• Reduced Repairs: By spotting problems before they spiral out of control, you can avoid expensive repairs in the future.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice the following symptoms, you should search for AC repair near me right away.

• Unusual Noises or Smells: Sweet scents, humming noises, burning smells, banging sounds, and other unusual signs should be reported right away.
• Poor Performance: If your AC isn’t cooling properly, you may need expert help.
• Frequent Cycling: A system that turns on and off too often needs to be repaired.
• Increased Energy Bills: A sudden spike in energy costs means there is a faulty component, dirty filter, or similar problem going on with your AC.

Prepare Your AC Before Fall

By following the best AC maintenance tips and finding reliable AC repair near me, you can avoid breakdowns and protect your HVAC unit.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com