How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Summer is a time for sun, fun, and outdoor activities, but the season loses its charm when it comes to being stuck in a hot, stuffy home. Don’t let the heat get the best of you. Instead, prepare your air conditioner for the summer months by following some maintenance best practices.

Periodic Inspections

Cooling down in the comfort of our homes is something we all take for granted with the flip of a switch. We often forget that air conditioners need regular maintenance to operate efficiently. That’s where an HVAC technician comes in to help schedule periodic inspections to ensure that your system is functioning properly all year round.

There are a few reasons why working with a professional is important HVAC technician is a great idea:

Better Safety

Getting your HVAC system checked by professionals helps with safety in several ways.

• Carbon Monoxide Detection: A malfunctioning furnace or heating system can release carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. Professionals can inspect your system for leaks and ensure proper ventilation, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Fire Prevention: Electrical issues or debris buildup in the system can lead to fires. Professional technicians can check for proper wiring, clean the system, and inspect components for wear or damage that could cause a fire.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality: Dust and pollen can accumulate in your air conditioner’s filters, which can cause allergies and other respiratory issues. Professional technicians can inspect, clean, or replace your filters to give you cleaner air quality.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Having your air conditioner checked regularly can help to discover minor issues with the system before they become significant problems. This preventative maintenance can help reduce the risk of breakdowns, which can be costly in both time and money. In addition, a professional technician can spot other energy efficiency issues that can save you money over the long term.

Maximum Comfort

When everything is working correctly, your air conditioner will be able to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. However, since various factors can affect your air conditioner’s performance, having it professionally checked and maintained is the best way to guarantee maximum comfort while minimizing the risk of overworking your AC unit.

How to Check for Issues

It’s essential to regularly maintain your home’s air conditioning system to ensure it runs efficiently. By identifying and addressing problems early on, you can avoid expensive repairs and ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.

Professionals use a systematic approach to check AC issues. Technicians start by visually inspecting your HVAC system for any obvious signs of damage, wear, or improper installation.

From there, they’ll check the air filters to ensure they are clean and not clogged and address any drainage issues that may be occurring in the system. Also, they’ll inspect the wiring and electrical components to ensure everything is working correctly.

Technicians will also verify that the thermostat is functioning correctly and is set to the proper temperatures to avoid freezing lines or overheating. In addition, they will check refrigerant levels to ensure they are within the correct range and inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils.

In addition to fixing problems, HVAC professionals also provide annual tune-ups and inspections in their membership plans. Regular maintenance checks will help your AC run efficiently, which saves you money in the long run.

To avoid significant issues with your air conditioner, it’s best to have it regularly inspected and tuned up by an HVAC professional. This will assure you that your system is always working correctly.

Clean and Clear Debris

Cleaning and clearing debris from your air conditioner is essential for maintaining efficiency and preventing potential issues. Begin by turning off the power to the unit and removing any debris from the area around the outdoor condenser unit.

Proceed to clean the condenser fins, straighten any bent fins, and clean the coil. This will help improve airflow and the overall efficiency of your air conditioner.

Next, focus on the indoor unit by removing debris from the blower compartment and around the evaporator coil. If accessible, clean the evaporator coil with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, check and clean the condensate drain line to prevent water damage to your system or home. Regular maintenance of these components helps to ensure a comfortable indoor environment.

Lastly, always remember to replace or clean the air filter, as a dirty filter can reduce airflow and efficiency. Once all cleaning and maintenance tasks are complete, turn the power back on and test your air conditioner to ensure it operates properly.

By following all of these steps, you can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner and maintain its optimal performance for years to come.

Need AC repair or maintenance? Contact us at Service Champions.