Spring is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about summer: specifically, getting your air conditioner ready before that first heat wave hits. The last thing you want is to have to repair or replace your air conditioner in the middle of summer.
Before you use your air conditioner for the first time, follow these spring AC maintenance tips to ensure your AC has a longer lifespan and is 100% ready for warmer temperatures.
1. Remove the Cover and Clean Your Outside Condenser
We’ll start with the outside condenser unit. Once you make sure it’s turned off, remove the cover and pull any dead grass, leaves or branches away from it.
You can then clean it with a soft brush or water. But be careful: the condenser fins can bend easily, and won’t work properly if damaged.
Once cleaned, it’s a good idea to do a visual inspection of your outdoor unit for any damage. If you find some, don’t turn your air conditioner on until you’ve had it checked by a professional.
2. Check Your Refrigerant Line
There are 2 refrigerant lines leading from your condenser unit into your home. The larger suction line is wrapped in insulation.
This insulation helps make sure the air stays cool: without it, your air conditioner won’t work at maximum efficiency, wasting your money. So look for any cracked or worn spots. If the insulation isn’t up to snuff, have it replaced. Not checking on your line could result in your air conditioner freezing up.
3. Change Your Furnace Filter
Your air conditioner uses your furnace’s air handler to distribute cool air throughout your home, which means they share a filter. A clogged, dirty filter will cause the air conditioner to work harder to supply the cool air. Not to mention that a dirty filter will actually spread more dust through your ductwork, and subsequently your home. This is an easy but important step in your spring AC maintenance that can easily be completed quickly.
Again, make sure the furnace is turned off before removing the filter from the return air vent. Depending on the kind of filter you have, it will need to either be replaced completely, or cleaned gently with soap and water. If you have a reusable filter, make sure to let it dry completely after it’s cleaned.
4. Check the Drainage Pipe
The part of your air conditioner that’s inside your home has a condensate line that allows any water deposits to flow into a drain pan. Any blockages in the line or drainage will cause the water to build up, and could flood back into the unit. It could even leak over into your basement! No drainage is a very bad thing to find out about after you start using your AC.
Inspect both lines carefully: if you do notice a blockage, call us to remove it safely.
5. Make Sure Your Thermostat Works
Spring AC maintenance doesn’t just mean checking your air conditioner: you have to check your thermostat too!
Once you turn everything on, set your thermostat to ‘Cool’, and program it to 4-5° lower than the current room temperature. Remember, it may take a few minutes to feel it working, so don’t panic if you can’t instantly feel a difference.
If, however, there doesn’t seem to be any cool air blowing in, it’s time for step 6 of your spring AC maintenance routine.
6. Get a Professional Air Conditioner Tune Up
This is one of the most important parts of spring AC maintenance. You haven’t used your air conditioner in months, and there may be problems that only one of our trained technician could see.
A tune up will not only catch problems and reduce the risk of air conditioner repairs: it will also increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and lower your energy bills. And who doesn’t want to pay less to stay cool?
Book Your Spring AC Maintenance Appointment Today
Spring is the perfect time to book your air conditioner tune up: you’ll beat the early summer rush of homeowners, and you’ll be 100% ready for that first really warm day. When you sign up for our protection plan, you’ll never have to worry about going without cool air – and you’ll get a discount on our services! You’ll be enjoying a fresh, cool home while others sweat it out.
So don’t wait: get a free, no-pressure quote from us today!
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