Tips to Prepare Your AC for Summer
There are several ways to prepare your air conditioner for summer on your own. Professional HVAC service is recommended for complete peace of mind. Depending on the frequency of its usage and the manufacturer, technicians usually recommend having your air conditioning equipment serviced yearly. You know you have paid a lot on the cost of a new air conditioner in Phoenix — take great care of it.
The air conditioning unit will be stripped down, the filter will be cleaned or replaced, the coils will be assessed, gas levels will be monitored, airflow will be checked, and the heating and cooling operations will be verified. Here are some suggestions for getting your air conditioner ready before the summer heat.
Change the Filter Regularly
- The most common central air setup connects the unit to the home furnace. This typically means the furnace and the air conditioner share the same filter for efficiency and protection.
- If your home’s HVAC system is structured this way, it’s advised that you change the filter four times a year, or every three months, as the seasons change. You can also seek professional help, such as HVAC replacement in Phoenix, AZ.
- Pollen, dust, and other harmful particles are filtered out of your unit’s components via filters. Your air conditioning will not circulate air effectively if the filter is dirty.
Maintain the Outdoor Unit
- Professionals advise that since your air conditioner won’t work without sufficient air circulation, you should make sure nothing is blocking the area near or around the outdoor unit.
- Turn off the thermostat after the snow has melted but before it gets too hot. Then carefully wash debris away from the outside of the unit and the fins with a hose.
- Twigs, leaves, and spider webs that have fallen or formed in or around the unit should be removed, and grass and bushes should be trimmed back away from it.
- Tree branches should not overhang the unit, and wood piles and bicycles should be kept at least a few feet away.
Clean the Condensate Drain
- Today’s air conditioners are centralized, with a large unit called a condenser typically placed outside the home. The condenser has an internal fan designed to draw in air and cool it with a refrigerant so that it can be fed into the furnace and circulated throughout the house.
- This unit is exposed primarily because it requires easy, efficient airflow. However, it only has grating to keep larger objects out without interrupting airflow. As a result, smaller particles such as leaves can still get in and settle within the condenser.
- Remove the drain’s end cap and use a wet or dry shop vacuum to suck the sludge and water out of the line. Then replace the drain end cap. If you need professional help, contact Autumn Air Heating & Cooling.
Autumn Air Heating & Cooling can handle duct cleaning, filter cleaning, HVAC replacement in Phoenix, AZ, and any troubleshooting or problem discovery. If you want to sit back and relax while a professional technician prepares your air conditioning for the summer, contact us at (602) 266-5247">(602) 266-5247 to ensure your home’s cooling system is ready to handle the heat.