The temperatures start to rise and the days start to get longer. Summer is coming and it is time to get your air conditioner ready for what can be months of continuous use.
It is common for people to turn on their air conditioner without doing any preparation work on it, but that can cause problems and you can be left in the sweltering heat.
The biggest problems associated with neglecting your air conditioner include:
- Large repair bills;
- Large energy bills;
- Insufficient cooling;
- Unexpected need to replace the unit.
While you should have a professional contractor look over your air conditioner to start every summer, there are a few things you can check out for yourself.
Remember that you should never attempt to do any maintenance work on your air conditioner that you are unsure of as you could do more harm than good.
Clean or Replace The Filters
When you are preparing your air conditioner for the summer, it is important to wash your re-useable filters or replace disposable filters with new ones. Clean air conditioning filters make sure that:
- You have fresh air in your home;
- Your air conditioner runs efficiently;
- The fan motor does not burnout’.
Your air conditioner does not make the strange noises that can often occur with dirty filters.
Check your manufacturer’s manual to see how many filters your air conditioning unit has and where they are located. It is also important to clean or change your filters regularly throughout summer as well.
Have The Ducting Checked
You can probably see the ducts your air conditioning uses to deliver cold air without much problem. But would you know what to look for when examining your ducts at the start of summer?
A professional contractor can find any holes in your ducts or any seams that have come apart. Repairing your ducts allows your air conditioner to function properly as an enclosed system and increases its energy efficiency, along with increasing its ability to keep your home cool and should only be repaired by a professional.
Clear Away Debris
Over time, leaves and other debris can get caught in the condenser and external vents of your air conditioning unit. Any debris that is blocking fans or the coils of your air conditioning unit threatens to severely damage the unit. Your air conditioner needs to be able to take in air and to exhaust air to function properly.
By removing debris, you are clearing the path for good air and removing any obstructions from your air conditioner’s moving parts.
Let The Pros Do The Rest
Your air conditioning unit requires some pretty significant maintenance before it can be started for the first time this coming summer. Some of the maintenance items you will want a professional to take care of include:
- Thoroughly cleaning the condenser & evaporator coils;
- Ensure the system has the correct refrigerant (gas) charge;
- Check and tighten the electrical connections;
- Flushing of the drains.
A professional maintenance contractor can also look over your air conditioning system and recommend any repairs that will help to extend the life of your air conditioner and allow it to do its job properly.
Energy efficiency is a big deal with air conditioners because they tend to draw a lot of power. With a professional maintaining your air conditioning, you will get the maximum energy efficiency throughout the entire summer.
When you have a professional take care of the maintenance of your air conditioner, then you are retaining your investment and getting the most from your air conditioning all summer long.
