10 Ways of Preparing Your AC Unit for Summer
An AC unit is a key component of any home in the summer months, but people often forget about it during the wintertime. It can be frustrating to have poor indoor air quality in the summer, but you can easily avoid it with a little maintenance. All you need to do is brush off any debris and ensure everything’s still intact.
Everything from dust on the filter and gaskets, air leaks at the vents, and dust buildup on fan blades will lead to an uncomfortable experience for you when you turn on your AC unit. Have you ever noticed how cheap filters look? These filters remove particles such as dust and lint that can affect the effectiveness of your AC unit. Here are ways of preparing your AC unit for the summer.
1. Install New Air Filters
Air filters are essential to keeping your AC unit clean and efficient. These filters can be easily washed by using a damp cloth to wipe them down. This is also a great time to change the filter that’s located on the outside of your AC unit as well. Changing this filter keeps up with any buildup that may have occurred over the winter months.
If your AC air filters have become dusty or dirty, they will reduce the airflow and efficiency of your AC. This can result in increased energy costs, as the unit will have to work harder to provide the desired temperature in your home.
You can also clean the air filter by vacuuming it gently with a soft brush. If the filter seems too dirty, you can remove it and hose it off. A mild soap and water solution will also do the trick. Make sure that you allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back in the unit.
2. Clean Your Condenser Coils
As much as possible, you won’t want to mess with your condenser coils, but sometimes you need to clean them. If it’s not too hot outside, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle and give them a quick rinse. Once dry, give them a quick inspection to ensure there are no loose wires or any other debris. If they aren’t clean enough, you can use an air compressor to blow them.
3. Check Your Airflow
When it comes to an AC unit, the most important thing is for it to be grounded properly and have enough airflow. You should check the airflow with the vents open at the top of your air conditioner unit. If you notice that the airflow is reduced or blocked, you must adjust or clean your filter or fan blades.
4. Examine the Fan Blades
Fan blades are essential to an AC unit, but they can get dirty over time. It’s important to examine them from time to time to ensure that nothing is loose or damaged. If you notice any loose screws or warped fan blades, you will need to repair or replace them. The fan is a tricky part of an AC unit, and replacing it can be costly.
5. Clean Up Around AC Unit
It’s also important to clean up any debris accumulated in your AC unit over the winter months. If you notice a lot of leaves or other debris, remove them. Sweeping and clearing the surrounding area of the unit ensures that it can properly circulate.
If the area around your AC is bushy, you will want to trim it up around the condenser coils. Doing this will help your AC unit cool down faster and more efficiently.
6. Check Your Vent Ducts
Checking your vent ducts is important, as well. These vent ducts will be responsible for efficient air distribution throughout your home during the summer months. This can help lower the AC bill and keep any rooms from becoming stuffy or uncomfortable in the hot weather. If they become blocked, it will put extra strain on the unit, and the home won’t cool evenly. A professional can perform an inspection and clean the ducts as well, ensuring that they’re able to push air through without issue.
7. Clean Your Unit’s Drain Pan
If you have a condenser AC unit, you will need to clean your drain pan to avoid unpleasant odors. Any dirt or debris stuck on the fan blades, outside of the vent ducts, or inside your condenser coils will have to be cleaned out periodically.
You can clean the drain pan using vinegar and water. This will help remove any odors or bacteria settling in this drain pan. It’s worth the time to clean it out to keep it smelling fresh and clean.
8. Program Your Thermostat
Most modern thermostats will adjust the temperature of your air conditioner based on the weather and the time of day. This means that you don’t have to keep your thermostat at a specific temperature all day. You can set it to a lower temperature during the day when people are home and then raise it at night when the temperature drops. If you want to set the temperature significantly higher, using fans in addition to the AC will help keep everyone cool.
Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically adjust the temperature even when you are not at home. This means you will save money and have a comfortable environment all day.
9. Check the Coolant Lines
Before turning on your AC unit, you will want to check the coolant lines. You need to make sure that they are clean and not clogged or damaged. If any damage or buildup prevents the coolant from properly flowing through the lines, you will need to replace them.
10. Check Your Ductwork
A lot of people overlook the importance of ductwork in the AC unit. In cooler months, your AC unit will pull air through these ducts. If you notice any buildup on these ducts, they should be professionally cleaned. Doing so removes any potential dirt, dust, or bacteria from being circulated through your home. It will also ensure that the airflow is not restricted and that you can circulate all of the air evenly throughout your home without additional strain on your unit.
Get Reliable AC Services
For more AC advice, contact the experts at Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve Seattle, WA and the surrounding areas. We can help you restore your AC unit to full efficiency so that you can enjoy a comfortable summer. We also offer 24/7 services for those unexpected emergency situations! Our technicians are licensed and able to identify any issues with ease. Some services we offer include heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance, as well as water heater servicing and duct cleaning. Aside from heating and cooling, we also offer indoor air quality solutions, gas fireplaces, ductless AC, and heat pumps. We uphold our promise of quality by only using Aprilaire, Bryant, and Mitsubishi products. Visit our website for testimonials or the FAQ or to learn about our maintenance plan! You can also learn about our specials or schedule an appointment. Contact us today!