How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

When you have an HVAC unit in your home, it can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, by doing proper HVAC maintenance and HVAC repair, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years!

Do you want to learn more about air conditioning maintenance and more? Keep reading this guide to get your air conditioner ready for summer months. 

1. Remove Winterization Cover

When you prepare your air conditioner unit for the winter, some homeowners choose to cover the outdoor unit with a tarp or wrap it with another type of cover. The first thing you need to do to prepare your air conditioner for the summer is to remove this winterization cover.

Note that manufacturers often suggest a cover is unnecessary in most cases, but the decision to use one is up to you.

Your air conditioner cannot function properly with this cover on. It is also important to remove the cover to make sure no pests or rodents have tried nesting inside during the cold winter months. 

2. Check Your Filters

Next, it is vital that you check and replace your air filters. Having clogged air filters can be bad for your air conditioner. It lowers the efficiency of your unit and will make it more difficult to run. 

If your air conditioner is less efficient, it also means you will have to pay more for your energy bills when you use your air conditioner. By checking your air conditioner filters, you can potentially save a bit of money or at least improve home comfort due to better airflow.

Having clogged air filters can also be bad for your health. The filters trap dirty particles and prevent them from circulating throughout your home. However, a dirty air filter may not stop these particles and they can impact the air quality in your home. 

This can lead to allergies, sickness, and more. To prevent this from happening, check your air filters which should be located on your furnace, and replace them when necessary.

After a long winter heating season, it’s likely that your filter which you may have replaced in the fall is due to be changed anyway. Replacing it at least every six months is a good rule of thumb, but it may be desirable to replace it more frequently.

See how to find the right air filter for your HVAC system.

3. Find and Patch Leaks

Next, you will want to find and patch any leaks in your ductwork system. If you have any issues with your air ducts, the airflow will be reduced and your home will not cool itself efficiently. You can check any exposed ductwork if you have any, like in the basement, and patch it with duct tape.

For a more thorough sealing job, there are services available which can seal gaps in your ductwork using specialized airborne sealant which is blown through the ductwork itself.

You also want to check for leaks inside your home. For example, if you have cracks in your walls, or gaps around your windows or doors, the cool air will escape outside and the warm air will seep inside. 

If you seal these cracks and properly insulate your home, it will prevent you from wasting the cool air during the summer! If you have noticed that your home isn’t as cool as it should be, this is one of the first things you should check. 

While not essential to do every year, occasional duct cleaning may also be a worthwhile investment.

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4. Clean Outdoor A/C Unit

You also want to clean the outdoor condenser of your HVAC unit. This includes the condenser coils as well as the fan that is part of the unit. During the fall and winter months, it is easy for HVAC units to get leaves and debris stuck inside. 

To clean this unit, you will first scoop the leaves and debris out and carefully clean the coils of your condenser. This will prevent possible damage. For example, having built-up leaves and twigs can damage the blades of your fan and the fins on the coil.

Next, you will want to clean the fan blades. You can do this with a vacuum or even just a cloth to remove any dust or additional grime. Over time, dirt can build up and may even make your air conditioner less efficient and more expensive to run. 

Make sure you cut back adjacent foliage and remove anything nearby that will get in the way of your unit or that could potentially obstruct the airflow of your air conditioner. 

5. Check Coolant Lines

HVAC coolant or refrigerant is the fluid that helps cool your air and also helps condense the moisture in the air. It runs through the indoor coils of your HVAC unit and cools the air that passes through. 

However, an occasional problem with HVAC systems is that there are leaks in coolant lines that result from mechanical damage to the exposed portions of the lines. Not only does this keep your home from getting cool, but it can also be dangerous. Refrigerant is toxic, especially for children and pets, so leaks in your coolant lines need to be fixed as soon as possible. 

This is something a professional HVAC technician can check during a tuneup. However, as this can release global warming gases into the air, the technician should check refrigerant levels only if there is good reason to suspect a leak.

It is also important to make sure these lines are insulated where exposed. Insulation keeps these lines from losing energy, making your HVAC more efficient, and it protects them from mechanical damage. You should repair any damage to the insulation. 

6. Test Your Air Conditioner

When you have finished cleaning your HVAC unit, after you check each part for problems, and after you finish your yearly maintenance, it is time to test your air conditioner.

Make sure you have removed anything you used to clean your HVAC and turn it on. If you don’t notice any strange sounds or problems, you are in good shape! You can use your air conditioner normally throughout the summer. 

However, if you notice any issues, it may be time to call a professional HVAC maintenance company. They have experience fixing any type of problem with an HVAC and can get your system up and running in time for the hot summer months!

Make sure you find a reliable company so that your HVAC is in the best hands. 

7. Get Professional HVAC Unit Maintenance Today How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

When you have an HVAC system, it can be difficult to keep up with the maintenance yourself. However, you can get help from a professional HVAC company. If you schedule an appointment with them, they will help you prepare your HVAC for summer.

Not only will they maintain it and help prolong its life, but they can repair any damage and can even help you get a new HVAC unit if necessary.

If you want to learn more about HVAC or heater maintenance and how much it costs, FurnacePrices.ca can help. Compare free estimates from Certified local contractors and get answers to any of your HVAC questions!

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