If you wait until the first bloom of summer to turn your air conditioner on, you may find yourself in trouble. Over the course of the off-season, your unit can collect dust and debris. There could also be damage from the previous season.
Even a new system can benefit from yearly maintenance. So, before you find yourself desperately calling for a new AC installation, take these steps to prepare your home for summer before it gets hot.
Clean or Replace Filters
The very first step to getting your AC ready for summer is to turn it off. Before you start to clean any of the components, you want to make sure that the power is completely disconnected so that you do not accidentally electrocute yourself.
The next thing you should do is change or clean all of the indoor filters for your system. They will have collected dust, debris, and allergens throughout the months the unit was turned off. Consider replacing them for better filtration and airflow.
Clean and Check Condenser Coils
The next step in your annual air conditioner maintenance is to check the outside portion of your unit. Clear out any leaf litter or other landscape and plant material.
Once you’ve cleared out the large items, you can take off the protective grills and vacuum the inside of the unit. Pay special attention to the coils and the fan, brushing the dirt off of them with a soft brush if necessary. Be extremely careful not to bend any of the components while you work.
Insulation Lines
The last areas of your unit you want to look at are the insulation lines that connect the outside unit to your house. These should be covered in some sort of insulation, either a sleeve or an insulated foam tape.
If the insulation is cracked or degraded, you can replace it with new sleeves or wrap it in insulated foam tape. Check for any leaks or damage while you check the insulation. The coolant that makes your air conditioner work runs through these lines, so any leaks will stop your unit from performing well.
Test Your AC Installation
Once the unit is fully cleaned and insulated, you can start testing it. To avoid blowing several months of dust and allergens around your home, it’s a good idea to vacuum your air vents first.
When your ducts are clean, reconnect the power to your unit and give it a test run. Check the airflow from all of the vents in your home to make sure there aren’t any blockages or leaks in your ductwork.
Keep an eye on your thermostat to make sure the condenser is cooling the air properly as well. If anything is amiss after doing these checks, don’t worry. You’ll have time to call an AC installation company to come to check it out.
Schedule a Maintenance Visit
If your unit isn’t performing the way it ought to, consider scheduling a maintenance visit before the temperatures soar. If you need to replace your unit, we offer new AC installation as well. Plan ahead now for a cool and comfortable summer.
