How To Prepare Your AC For Summer Days
Why should you prepare your AC for summer days?
As the weather starts warming up, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot summer days ahead. A well-maintained and operating air conditioner is key to keeping your home cool and comfortable during those dog days of summer. Following some simple maintenance tips now can save you from an inconvenient breakdown on one of the hottest days of the year. Read on to learn everything you need to do to get your AC primed for peak performance in the coming months.
Change or Clean the Filter
Your AC system relies on airflow to function optimally. When airflow is obstructed by a dirty, clogged filter, it strains your AC unit as it tries to circulate air. This can lead to system failure or inefficient cooling. That’s why it’s crucial to replace or wash your air filter every two months. Some filters are washable while others are disposable.
If yours is a reusable filter, remove it and soak it in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent to loosen up accumulated dust and dirt. Rinse it thoroughly before replacing. Allow it to fully dry before putting it back into your AC unit.
If you have a disposable filter, check it first before automatically replacing. Some may simply need a vacuuming to clean them out rather than replacement. But do replace it if it’s bent or damaged. Slide out the old filter and insert a fresh one, making sure it fits snugly within the filter compartment.
Clear Debris Outside
Take a walk around the external AC components and visually inspect the area around your outside condenser unit. Clear away any debris, leaves or plants that may have accumulated around it over the fall and winter. Remove anything blocking air intake vents or airflow near the condenser. A cluttered, dirty condenser exterior prevents proper airflow and functioning.
Straighten Bent Fins
While outside, examine the metal condensing coils and fins of the condenser unit. Severe weather, yard debris blown against it or curious children can easily bend these delicate fins out of shape over time. Use a fin comb tool to gently straighten and realign any mashed, bent fins. This allows optimal airflow and efficiency within those coils responsible for releasing heat outside of your home. If you spot cracks or corrosion, contact an AC technician to make repairs before running your AC.
Hose Off Condenser
To maintain maximum efficiency, the condenser unit also needs a good exterior cleaning at the start of every cooling season. Turn off power to the condenser first for safety. Then use a regular garden hose to thoroughly rinse dust, dirt and buildup off the cabinet, coils and fins. Remember to keep the water stream low pressure and angle it downward to avoid water damage to components. Let all outside areas dry completely before restoring power.
Inspect and Lubricate Fan Motor
The fan motor that powers your condenser unit also requires annual maintenance for trouble-free summer runtime. Turn off all power to your AC system before removing the condenser cabinet cover. Examine the motor visually for signs of rust, cracks, debris buildup or oil leaks. Use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or dust from the motor housing.
Next lubricate the fan motor bearings and other moving parts so they spin freely and silently. Use only lightweight machine oil made specifically for motors and apply it sparingly along all hinge points according to manual directions. Replace the protective cabinet panel, restore power and manually switch on your fan briefly to ensure smooth functioning. An odd grinding, buzzing or squealing usually indicates damaged bearings that require replacement by a professional.
Check Refrigerant Levels and Lines
The refrigerant circulating within a closed AC loop is vital for efficient heat transfer and cooling capabilities. Too little refrigerant can impair cooling and damage the compressor. Small leaks often develop in lines or seals over years of extreme seasonal temperature shifts. While complex refrigerant recharging is best left to certified technicians, visually inspect all coolant piping for signs of leaks, rust or damage. Also check flexible rubber hoses for cracks or splits. Make repairs before operating for the year.
If your AC unit is over 5 years old, consider scheduling an annual checkup that includes a thorough refrigerant assessment and charging if needed. Preventative topping off can prolong the life of the compressor and avoid emergency calls during hot weather. Trained HVAC specialists have the professional gauges and equipment for safely handling AC recharge procedures.
Clear Indoor Unit and Vents
Like your outdoor condenser, the interior cooling components gather dust, debris and buildup year round. Before starting up the AC, wipe down the housing of your interior unit with a damp cloth to remove any air pollutants. Carefully use a vacuum crevice tool to extract accumulated dirt and dust from inside the blower compartment, making sure not to disturb any electrical parts or connections.
Finish up by using a narrow vacuum attachment to gently clean return air vents throughout the home of visible debris. Also check that furniture, window treatments or new constructions don’t block vents which would greatly impact airflow. Straighten bent fins inside vent openings using the provided adjustment tool or a butter knife for optimal output.
Check Operation Settings
Before seasonally firing up your air conditioner, double check all control settings from last year. Make sure the thermostat mode is set to COOL, the fan option is at AUTO, and the temperature is set at a normal room temperature reading. This prevents the sudden blasting of uncomfortably cold or hot air at start-up.
If you currently have a standard manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart WiFi-enabled model for advanced features like remote temperature voice control and customized cooling schedules. Programmable and smart thermostats also provide convenient control and significant energy savings over the cooling season.
Change HVAC Filters Monthly
While you thoroughly changed or replaced dirty air filters at the start of summer, don’t forget about them going forward. Indoor air filters provide essential protection for the inner workings of your home AC unit. Continuing to replace or clean filters monthly all summer long prevents accumulated dust and dirt from harming critical components like heat exchangers over months of continual use. restricting airflow. Set seasonal reminder alerts to keep this maintenance task from slipping your mind.
Establish No-Go Zones
To prevent damaging your AC system and optimize airflow circulation, establish some summer rules regarding off-limit areas around vents. Make sure drapes, furniture or objects don’t block vents and returns in heavily trafficked rooms. Also keep toy boxes, play tents and kids’ forts from obstructing free air movement.
Finally, train kids and pets not to pounce directly on wall ventilation grates to avoid bending or damaging thin slats. Consider installing vent guards to prevent curious pets or children from poking objects into dangerous moving parts of your HVAC system while still permitting good airflow.
Consider a Professional Tune-Up
While many basic maintenance DIY tasks keep your air conditioner in working order, an annual professional tune-up provides comprehensive inside and outside servicing. HVAC technicians have the knowledge, equipment and access to fully clean, adjust, lubricate, calibrate and optimize all internal components of your AC unit for unparalleled performance and efficiency. They also check for correct refrigerant pressures, amp draws, voltage and belts. Technicians can detect and seal refrigerant leaks you might miss, plus identify any defective parts needing repair or replacement.
While a tune-up inspection requires a moderately higher service call fee, it is money well spent to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan. Most HVAC companies offer spring AC tune-up specials you can take advantage of before the peak heating season kicks in.
Prep the House
A few simple preparations inside the home can also help keep indoor temperatures comfortable during the dog days ahead. Thoroughly weatherstrip and caulk around all windows, doors and attic openings to seal in cooled air and block hot outdoor air infiltration. Keep drapes and blinds over windows closed during the day to prevent solar heat loading.
For the most efficient central cooling, shut doors to any infrequently used rooms you don’t need to cool all day. Ensure basement vents aren’t blocked by stored objects impeding airflow. Consider adding insulation to the attic if less than 12 inches deep since this can greatly reduce heat permeation and air conditioning runtimes.
Stay Safe from Heat Illnesses
Extreme summer heat puts everyone at increased risk for heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Install tamper-resistant safety devices on outside AC components to prevent curious kids from danger.
Prepare for possible power outages by having coolers, battery-operated fans, and alternate shelter locations handy. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives at risk from extreme heat. Keep an eye on children and pets, never leave anyone unattended in a hot vehicle, and watch for signs of heat illness. Following proper AC unit maintenance and heat safety tips will keep your home and family more comfortable and secure all season.
Stay Proactive
Preparing your cooling system, home and household now for the imminent hot weather ahead provides peace of mind that your family will stay cool in comfort when temperatures soar. Being proactive also helps prevent hurried, expensive repairs or emergency technician calls during peak months when HVAC companies have little availability. Following the air conditioner maintenance tips provided keeps your system operating safely at maximum efficiency so you can beat the heat all summer long.
So that’s how you can prepare your AC for summer days…stay cool, stay active
