How to Get Your AC Ready for Summer After a Long Winter
We often go from having freezing cold temperatures to being scorched in the blazing heat of the afternoon sun, and because of this, our air conditioning units are left unused for months on end.
As we are just coming out of the winter months and the temperature starts to rise, our AC units will be put to the test as we all try desperately to stay cool and gain some sort of relief from the excessive heat of the summer.
This is why now is the perfect time to check your AC unit for any problems and give it a bit of TLC before you rely on it every day. If you check your system now, you'll prevent hassle later and be able to get your chill on when the summertime hits.
How to check your AC after winter
Step 1: Remove The Cover
If you used a cover during the winter months, now is the time to remove it. If your air conditioner runs with the cover on, it can cause serious damage to the system and affect its performance drastically.
Step 2: Replace Your Filters
When preparing your air conditioning unit for the summer months, replacing your air filters is a cost-effective way to ensure it works smoothly. It would be best if you were replacing your AC filters every two months. Replace it even more regularly if you own pets or notice your filter gets dirty quickly.
Replacing the filter will make sure that any airflow from your air conditioner flows without any restriction to give you that wonderful cool breeze in the heat of the summer (and without any dust that's built up over the winter months).
Step 3: Ensure The Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Is Clear
Clearing the area around your outdoor unit will help the whole system work more efficiently. There will be less debris getting stuck in your unit. Clearing leaves or any other items from around it will allow the airflow to move more efficiently.
If your AC unit isn't working properly, remember that before you begin dismantling it to find out if something is stuck or jamming it that it could just be debris blocking the flow of air, which can be removed easily.
Give your air conditioner a proper scrub down to remove any trapped leaves or dirt. You can even hose down your outdoor unit to ensure it's clear of any dirt. Be sure not to bend the fins, though.
Step 4: Insulation Check
If you look at the back of your unit, there will be coolant lines that connect your home to the air conditioner unit. These lines should always have insulation on them, so it's essential to check that the insulation is still there from the year before and isn't missing/damaged. It's important to check your insulation for any cracks or if part of the insulation is frayed or peeling away.
If you need to replace or fix the insulation on your coolant lines, you're better off calling a professional (like us!) to come and fix the problem.
Step 5: Switch Your Unit On
Turning on your unit early in the season will help you see if it's running correctly. This allows you to inspect your unit before you need it most – and get it fixed if necessary, before the summer.
Don't worry, we know it's still a bit chilly, and you don't want to freeze the house to check over the unit! Just switch on your AC using the thermostat and make sure that cold air is running from the vents. Once you're satisfied with the airflow, switch it off again.
Step 6: Check The Registers & Vents
Make sure that the registers and vents for your air conditioner system aren't being blocked by anything.
You can lift up the register grates to see if anything has fallen into the vents. It's common to see children's toys or small pieces of debris get stuck inside the vent, especially after the holidays! It's important to remove anything that shouldn't be in there to ensure that your system will work properly.
Check 7: Schedule A Tune-up
Whether you think your air conditioning unit needs it or not, it is a good idea to have a professional visit your home and do a full check up on your system.
An annual tune-up is necessary for any air con unit as it will help avoid any unnecessary breakdowns that could happen. It'll also help keep your energy bill low and help you get the most out of your air conditioner this summer.
Giving your AC unit a tune-up or service is the best way to ensure that it runs smoothly throughout the months you need it most. By having it maintained, you can ensure that it runs not only efficiently but safely as well. Regular servicing can help extend the life of your unit, which will benefit you in the long run.