Summer is officially here, and that means monsoon season is upon us. Now is the time to get your A/C unit ready for this annual weather event.
What is monsoon season in AZ?
The National Weather Service establishes Arizona’s monsoon season from June 15 to September 30. This summertime period of extreme weather can mean both heavy rainfall and large dust storms.
Both of these conditions can make it harder for your HVAC to function at peak efficiency, which can mean higher energy bills for you.
How rain and dust storms can affect your AC Unit
Monsoon season means heavy rains and that means higher humidity. The extra moisture in the air means air conditioning systems that are used to drier weather must work harder. Severe dust storms can also make it harder for HVAC systems to do their job effectively. Both of these can mean higher energy bills.
Take steps to protect your Phoenix home AC during monsoon season
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home’s AC so you can stay cool without breaking the bank.
Clean the space around your outdoor AC unit
Strong winds are a given with during monsoon season in Phoenix. Now is the time to make sure that there are no branches hanging over your outdoor a/c unit. It’s also a good idea to clear the area of any smaller items that be picked up by winds and potentially damage your AC box.
Clean your air filter every two weeks
As a general rule, ACE Home Services recommends that Phoenix homeowners keep a supply of air filters on hand to replace as needed. However, air filters work extra hard during monsoon season due to both dust storms and higher humidity that can trap debris. Keeping your air filters clean can also help improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Use a surge protector
Monsoon storms are often accompanied by a lot of lightning, which can trip your home’s circuit breaker and knock out your power. Surge protectors absorb the extra electricity that lightning can generate. Plugging your AC unit (and other appliances) into a surge protector now can help keep them running throughout the Phoenix storm season.
Schedule an AC maintenance visit
One of the best ways to prepare your air conditioner for the summer monsoon season is by having it serviced by a professional. The HVAC experts at ACE Home Services will assess your unit, address any issues, and show you how to prepare. An ounce of prevention can go a long way when the weather outside turns bad. Having your AC unit serviced before issues arise can save you a lot of money, instead of waiting for them to become major headaches. Give ACE Home Services a call and we’ll work with you to get your home comfortable, cool, and clean after the Arizona monsoon season!
