With the change of seasons, we can all appreciate lower utility bills, but as summer is fast approaching, your air conditioner will be expected to work overtime to keep up with increased demand. In order to keep up with this demand, your system should be properly checked by the professionals at Instant-Air. Book your HVAC maintenance appointment now!
Tips to get your AC unit ready for summers
It’s best to get your AC units checked for any repairs or maintenance before the weather gets warmer. However, if you want to do it yourself, ensure to follow these tips:
Indoor Equipment Inspection:
- Look at the thermostat – If your thermostat is out-dated or needs frequent repairs, it’s time to install a new thermostat for your AC unit. This will help you reduce your energy bills.
- Look at all the air vents – Remove items such as toys, furniture, or drapes that can block airflow. Blocked airflow decreases the efficiency of your system and makes it work harder than necessary to cool your home
- Check AC ducts for any signs of wear and tear – Any damage to AC ducts can be a cause of cooling loss or inefficiency of the AC unit. Look for signs of holes and cracks in the walls of the ductwork and get them fixed by HVAC professionals
- Check the drain lines – The drain lines can get clogged due to residual dirt build-up by the indoor coil. Take the time to clean them or get them cleaned by HVAC experts whenever the season changes or before summer.
- Change air filters – It’s best to change air filters every three months, especially before the start of the summer season. Clogged filters can impede HVAC airflow, leading to hot and cool spots in your home. Make sure to change the AC filters as per manufacturer’s instructions or once in three months.
- Check power – Ensure that the power switch is on for the furnace/air conditioning unit.
After the inspection of indoor equipment, focus on inspecting the outdoor equipment.
Outdoor Equipment Inspection
- Inspect the outdoor condenser unit – After the indoor inspection, check the condenser unit. Ensure there is no blockage in or near the equipment. Take a clean cloth and use it to remove dirt and debris around the unit. Debris, vines, or leaves can block the pipes and interior components of the unit, affecting the overall performance of your AC. Moreover, check for any missing panels. The panels are designed to enclose the electrical connections.
- Visually inspect the refrigerant lines – The refrigerant lines should be adequately insulated. Proper insulation will improve the efficiency of the system. If refrigerant lines show any signs of wear and tear, you can contact Instant Air HVAC professionals to fix the lines.
- Look for any sign of wear and tear in the electrical wiring – Check to ensure there is no faulty electrical wiring. If you notice any damage, call Instant Air professionals to replace the installations before using your system.
- It’s time to replace your air conditioner – Know when it’s time your air conditioner may have reached retirement age. Your air conditioners have a life span. Even if your unit is properly maintained, it will eventually wear out. According to Energy.gov, if an air conditioner is ten years old, you can “save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
These are some tips that can help you get your AC unit ready for summer However, if your AC unit need repair or you’re planning to replace it, you can contact the Instant-Air professionals here!