Warmer weather means summer is finally on the way! This means grilling season, outdoor adventures, and generally soaking up lots of sunshine. One thing you might not have considered is that your house is going to be soaking up all that sun, too.

If you already have air conditioning installed, you might think all you’ve got to do is turn on your AC system when spring weather hits. But it’s important you’ve properly prepared your central air conditioner, to avoid expensive air conditioner repairs and get the most out of your cooling system. Here are 8 helpful tips to give your air conditioner a tune up after all those long cold months.

1. Regular AC Maintenance

Just like we benefit from checkups at the doctor, your air conditioning unit will last longer if you ensure that it gets an annual tune-up.

Regular maintenance on both your outdoor unit and indoor unit ensures more efficiency, which will use up less energy and save money by keeping your utility bills down. Your air conditioner will be more reliable, too, which means you won’t have to suffer through an unexpected heatwave.

If you don’t want to go a single day without air-conditioned comfort, make sure you book a service call with an HVAC contractor from a great company; they can often spot issues that you might not even be aware of.

2. Thermostat

Linked to your central cooling system, thermostats are the control center for your home’s temperature, so it’s important to ensure that thermostat isn’t broken.

Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature while saving money and energy. It’s also a good idea to check the air vents for your central heating system; sometimes, pets or kids can drop items or other debris down the return air grills.

3. Condenser

Your air conditioner absorbs heat from your home to disperse outside, but if the outdoor AC unit is blocked, there’s nowhere for that heat to go. The air conditioner’s exterior unit has been exposed to adverse weather for months, and is likely covered in debris (to keep the outdoor condenser unit clean, we recommend a piece of plywood on the top only.

Inspect the outdoor unit and remove any leaves, dirt, or dust, then clean the fan blades and drain away any excess water.  You can use a hose to clean the condenser coils, as long as the pressure isn’t too high—you don’t want to risk damaging any important parts!

4. Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are an essential part of cooling systems, as they remove heat from the air coming into your air conditioning unit. The coils tend to collect dirt and debris. NOTE: This must be done by a licensed Ottawa technician.

5. Circuit Board

Ensure the unit’s electrical connections are on before attempting to start your air conditioning. It’s likely that you switched off the circuit breaker for your air conditioning last fall when the temperature started dropping. Switch the circuit back on 24 hours before turning on your AC system.

6. Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant is the fluid that evaporates and condenses through the cooling cycle. The refrigerant lines are a closed system, so your refrigerant shouldn’t ever get used up. If the levels are too low, it means you have a leak somewhere in the system. You’ll need to find and repair the leak before topping up the refrigerant.

7. Air Filter

Regularly installing a new air filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running in tip-top shape. Your air filters should be checked every month, and changed (or cleaned, if yours is a permanent type) every 3 months. Changing out a clogged, dusty filter for a fresh new one will allow your system to “breathe”.

Your air conditioner is constantly circulating cold air throughout your home. Dirty filters keep your system from running efficiently, which means higher energy bills, more dust in the air, and possible damage to your equipment. It’s a good idea to also check the drain pan whenever you change the filters; build-up in drain lines can lead to a clogged system.

8. AC Blower

The blower fan blades should be wiped down and cleaned of any dust. Any mounting bolts should be tightened, and lubricate the motor if it’s getting squeaky. If you’ve got an older air conditioning unit, there might be a drive belt that needs adjusting or replacing.

Get AC Maintenance with Ottawa Home Services

These steps for turning on AC after winter are usually things you can do yourself, but it’s always good to reach out to a professional HVAC technician at least once per year for routine air conditioner maintenance.

With their in-depth knowledge of air conditioners and other HVAC systems, they’re able to ensure everything is working properly. If you notice anything that needs fixing during your pre-summer checks, a technician will be able to provide component repair or replacement.

Ottawa Home Services is your expert when it comes to excellent service in a timely manner. If you encounter any issues with your HVAC system, give us a call! Professional maintenance can help extend the service life of your AC unit and get cool air flowing again on a hot day.

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