Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer
The warm weather of summer requires your air conditioner to work properly. Problems with your air conditioning could result in higher temperatures in your home and potential health hazards, especially if children or elderly people are living in your home. Preparing your air conditioner for summer will ensure that it works when you need it. Here are some tips from your local air conditioning contractor to help you prepare your air conditioner for the warm months of summer.
Clean or Replace the Filters
The filters are an essential part of your air conditioning unit as they ensure that clean air is being circulated around the home. Without air filters, dust and other debris may build up, dirtying the air being circulated or blocking the air from moving freely through the system. It’s usually recommended that you replace your air filters twice a year, though you may want to consider doing so more frequently if you notice them getting dirty earlier. Cleaning or replacing these filters before summer arrives will ensure that you get cool and clean air in the coming months.
Clean A/C Condenser Coils
Your air conditioning system probably features an inside unit and an outside unit. While the inside unit allows you to control the temperature, the outside unit features the condenser coils, an essential part of the system. The outside unit also contains a large fan inside a metal box. This fan moves air through the condenser coils and into the house. As it’s located outdoors, these units are prone to attracting leaves, yard debris, and dirt. If this debris gets inside the coils, it will restrict the airflow, negatively impacting the efficiency of the system. Having these coils cleaned before summer when the system will be used most will ensure that it's efficient when you need it.
Clear Debris
As previously mentioned, your outdoor unit will undoubtedly collect leaves, debris, and dirt from the outside. In addition to the fan and condenser coils, many units also feature a drain will allow any excess condensation or coolant to escape. Cleaning any debris from these areas will ensure that the air can move freely through the system to provide the amount of air necessary to cool your home. Enabling it to work efficiently will also allow you to avoid rising utility bills as the system won’t have to work as hard.
Check Coolant Lines
Your air conditioning system features refrigerant tubes or pipes that connect the evaporator on the air handler with the outdoor condenser, allowing coolant to run through it. This is how the warm air becomes cooled and is transported around the house. The tubes or pipes that allow for the transportation of the coolant should be well insulated. If any of the insulation is frayed or missing, it is in need of replacement.
Test Your Unit
Before the warm weather of summer arrives, you want to ensure that your condenser unit is working properly. The best way to do this is by testing it. You can do this by turning the unit off, allowing it to dry, and then turning it back on again. After turning off the thermostat, turn on the power at the disconnect box and main panel. Turn the thermostat back on to cool and see if the system runs as it should.
The summer months bring with them hot weather that can be troubling if your air conditioning system isn’t working properly. The best way to protect your family is to prepare your system for the arrival of warm weather. Follow these tips from Wright Air Conditioning & Heating, your go-to air conditioning contractor in Magnolia, TX, to ensure your unit is ready for summer.
