Prepare you’re A/C so you can play it cool

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. It’s also the time of year when many people endure the headache of a broken air conditioner — and go to extreme measures to keep cool.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to prepare. There are steps you can take to ensure your cooling system can handle the sweltering summer days.

Replace your air filter regularly. The changes in season are a good reminder that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a fairly easy step, and a dirty filter can plug up the airflow of your air conditioning system, which can make it work less effectively and shorten its lifespan.

Get a system inspection. It’s a good idea to schedule a tune-up to ensure that your cooling system is optimized to perform its best when called on during those long, hot days. Regular preventative maintenance can be more affordable than having to pay for an emergency house call when your system goes out! During a “clean and tune,” a technician will pull the blower from your system and use water or a cleaner to remove the dirt that made it past the furnace filter.

Consider a replacement if needed. If you have an older or underperforming cooling system, you may want to think about a replacement. While not cheap, it may ultimately be a better option than having to keep making repairs on an inefficient system. Your local electric cooperative offers Power Moves® rebates for qualifying efficiency upgrades that will help you save more on energy costs. Contact your local electric cooperative for details.

Preparing in advance can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer — and avoid unnecessary headaches. You can contact your local electric cooperative to inquire about a home energy assessment, which will provide details on your whole home’s energy use and give suggestions on steps you can take to improve energy use and efficiency.