After a long winter, it’s hard to imagine that we’re finally headed toward summer. Only another month or so, and we’ll be complaining about how hot it is!
If you’re like most people, you love the summer weather but also like to escape it with cool, refreshing air conditioning once in a while. To be able to enjoy the heat but retreat indoors with nice cool air is one of the best things about the summer season.
Did you know that it’s highly recommended to give your air conditioning unit a thorough check-up at least once a year? The spring is the best season to do it because it’s just before summer hits so you can get everything prepared just in time. You’ll likely have your AC on most of the time in summer, so you want to get it ready for action.
You’ll definitely want an expert cooling technician to diagnose your AC problems in the spring, but you can also take a look to see if there any issues beforehand. Let’s take a look at what to look for when maintaining your air conditioner.
Clean or Change the Air Filters
Routinely changing or cleaning the air filters in your AC unit will improve its overall efficiency and lifespan. It’s suggested that filters be replaced every month, so be sure to consult your installation and maintenance contractors to find out the exact type you use if you’re unsure.
If you keep the AC on round-the-clock, your filter will require more attention than if you just turn it on every so often. You can clean it with a good vacuum cleaner (take it out of the unit first) and submerge it in water for a few minutes. Always wait until it’s completely dry before putting it back into place.
Filters are subject to a great amount of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other harmful particles. It’s crucial to keep them clean because otherwise, all of those particles will start to float around your home with the cool air that comes from the unit.
Clean the Coils
Your air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils collect dirt and dust and over time. All of that dirt will reduce the airflow and insulates the coil, which reduces its ability to absorb heat.
Outdoor condenser coils also become very clogged up and dirty and if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage close by.
The best solution to this problem is for you to take a look at the coils, assess the situation, and then let your contractor know about it. They’ll be able to clean the air conditioner’s coils if necessary, at your annual maintenance visit.
Clean Any Debris from the Unit
Over time, things such as dirt, leaves, and grass clippings will start to build-up on the outside of your AC unit, and this decreases the system’s capacity and reduces its airflow. Walk around it and trim any plants or shrubs that might be hindering its performance.
The first AC maintenance visit marks the beginning of spring and summer — finally, you can say goodbye to winter!