As temperatures begin to rise and the days get longer, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your air conditioning unit for the summer season. Your AC unit is responsible for keeping your home comfortable during the hottest months of the year, so it’s important to be certain it’s in top condition before the heat hits. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks on how to prepare your AC unit for summer.
Replace Air Filters
One of the main benefits of replacing air filters in your AC unit is improved indoor air quality. Air filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and other particles that can circulate through the air in your home. Over time, these particles accumulate in the filter, reducing its effectiveness and making it more challenging for air to pass through.
Dirty air filters lead to poor air quality in your home. This can be especially problematic for those with allergies or respiratory issues. By replacing your air filters, you can be certain that your AC unit is filtering out these particles.
Another benefit of replacing air filters is increased efficiency. When your air filters are dirty and clogged, your AC unit has to work harder to push air through the system. This extra effort can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
When your AC unit is operating efficiently, it can cool your home faster and maintain a more consistent temperature. Replacing air filters can also help extend the lifespan of your AC unit. When your AC unit has to work harder to push air through dirty filters, it puts extra stress on the system. Over time, this stress can lead to wear and tear on the unit, shortening its lifespan.
Clean the Condenser Unit
The condenser unit houses the compressor, condenser coils, and fan. These components work together to extract heat from inside your home and release it outside. If the condenser coils are dirty, airflow will be restricted, and your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home.
Cleaning the condenser coils removes dirt and debris, improving airflow and helping your AC unit operate at peak performance. A well-maintained AC unit can last up to 15 years, but neglecting basic maintenance tasks can shorten its lifespan.
Dirty condenser coils can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, which can be costly to repair or replace. Regular cleaning of the condenser unit can prevent compressor failure and extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
Cleaning the condenser unit can prevent common AC problems and reduce the need for repairs. When dirt and debris accumulate on the condenser coils, it can cause the unit to freeze up or stop working altogether. This can lead to costly repairs and inconvenience during the hot summer months.
The condenser unit is located outside where it can be exposed to dirt, dust, and other pollutants. When these contaminants accumulate on the condenser coils, they can be circulated into your home, reducing indoor air quality. Cleaning the condenser unit removes these pollutants and helps to maintain good air quality in your home.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance that circulates through your AC unit, absorbing heat from your home and releasing it outside. It is a critical component in the cooling process; without it, your AC unit would not function. Newer units use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant called R-410A.
Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC unit to function inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and reduced cooling capacity. If your refrigerant levels are too low, it can also cause the compressor to work harder than necessary, which leads to premature wear and tear and, ultimately, system failure.
Checking refrigerant levels is not a DIY task and should only be performed by a licensed HVAC technician. Technicians will use specialized equipment to measure the refrigerant levels in your AC unit and determine if they are within the recommended range. If the levels are too low, they will need to add refrigerant to your system. If the levels are too high, they will need to remove some of the refrigerants.
Low refrigerant levels cause your AC unit to overheat, which leads to system breakdowns. This can be a major inconvenience, especially during the hot summer months when you need your AC unit the most.
Inspect the Ductwork
One of the most common issues with ductwork is leaks. These can occur for a variety of reasons, including damage to the ducts themselves or poor installation. Any hissing or whistling sounds should be inspected for visible cracks or holes.
Another common problem with ductwork is blockages. This can be caused by debris, such as dust and dirt, that accumulates over time. Signs of blockages may include reduced airflow or musty odors coming from the vents.
Insulation is an important component of ductwork as it helps to prevent energy loss and keeps the air flowing at the right temperature. Consider adding additional insulation if necessary.
The ductwork should be inspected for any signs of damage, such as dents or tears. These can occur over time due to normal wear and tear or as a result of pests or other outside factors.
Check Thermostat Settings
By checking and adjusting your thermostat settings before the summer heat sets in, you can rest assured that your AC unit is operating efficiently and effectively and that you’re not wasting energy or money on unnecessary cooling.
Get our professional technicians to check your current thermostat settings. Let them make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” mode and that the temperature is set to your desired comfort level. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure your settings reflect your summer schedule.
Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat because it allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. This will let you save energy when you’re not at home or asleep.
Consider adjusting your temperature settings; experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 72 degrees Fahrenheit at night for optimal energy efficiency.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
An AC unit that has not been maintained is more prone to breakdowns, especially when it’s needed the most. During the summer, your unit will be working harder than ever, and without proper maintenance, it may not be able to keep up with demand. Scheduling annual maintenance before summer begins ensures that your unit is running smoothly and reduces the likelihood of a breakdown.
Air conditioning units are a significant investment, and you want to make certain that you get the most out of them. Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit, saving you money in the long run. It’s much more cost-effective to invest in annual maintenance than to replace your unit prematurely due to neglect.
Conclusion
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