Summer is just around the corner, along with heat and humidity. Your air conditioning is a crucial part of keeping your home cool and comfortable throughout the summer season, but if you don’t maintain it properly, you could end up with major repairs at the worst possible time.
The Certified White Glove Technicians at ASI Hastings Inc. are always available to tune up your AC and prepare it for summer. After 70+ years in the business, we can spot minor problems before they became pricey repairs. However, there are plenty of steps you can take yourself to keep your AC running smoothly and avoid an untimely breakdown in the summer heat. Here are some tips from our experienced professionals.
Getting Your AC Ready for Summer
It usually starts heating up late in the spring. Many people start running their AC around this time, but it takes more than just turning it on. If you don’t prepare your system properly, you could end up with expensive problems that disrupt your cooling in the middle of the summer heat.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
You should inspect your outdoor unit during the off season to ensure it’s ready for summer. Check the panels that hold the electrical connections to make sure they’re in place. If anything is missing or poorly aligned, contact an AC technician for a full inspection. Electrical work isn’t safe for DIY homeowners without electrical skills.
Check the Condenser Covers
You have to remove the winter covers before you start your system for the summer. These covers are designed to protect and insulate your unit, but they limit heat transfer if you leave them on while the AC is running.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Your AC’s outdoor unit should be cleaned at the beginning of summer. If there’s dirt on your unit’s condenser coils, the whole system will need to work harder to cool your home. A system that runs longer costs you more money.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to clean your AC. You should also clean around your coils and unit, clearing any yard debris or overgrowth from the base of the unit. This is important to not only access your outdoor unit but keep it running clean, clear, and functioning.
Inspect and Clean the Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils of your air conditioning system are important for the heat exchange process. Dirt and debris can accumulate on the coils over time, limiting their ability to absorb and release heat efficiently. Inspect your coils and clean them if necessary.
Repair or Replace Damaged Pipe Insulation
After removing the insulation or covers, check your pipes and lines. The suction line delivers cool refrigerant to the compressor in the outdoor unit. If the insulation is damaged, you could lose cooling that’s necessary for the unit. There are plenty of things that can cause damage, including wildlife, sun rot, or freezing temperatures. Replace damaged insulation if necessary.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Poor refrigerant levels can result in decreased cooling performance and more energy consumption – and higher utility bills. Check the refrigerant levels and consult your manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended levels. If there’s a significant difference, you could have a refrigerant leak that requires a professional AC technician for repair.
Clean Your Air Filters
Cleaning your air filters is a simple but effective DIY task that you should perform regularly, especially before the cooling season. Air filters prevent dust and debris from circulating inside your unit, but over time, all that dust and debris builds up in the filters themselves. This can restrict airflow and reduce the overall efficiency of your unit, leading to high energy consumption and poor cooling performance. Make sure to clean your filters or replace them as needed.
Inspect the Ductwork
Leaky or dirty ducts can lead to a loss of cool air and reduced efficiency. Check the ductwork for any damage or visible leaks. You can seal gaps or joints using duct tape or a sealant. If your ducts are dirty, you can hire an AC technician to remove dust, mold, and other contaminants.
Test Your Thermostat
Issues with your thermostat can cause your AC to work harder to maintain the right temperature, adding to its wear and tear and increasing your energy usage. Test your thermostat before the cooling season to make sure the temperature readings are accurate. Replace the batteries if necessary.
Inspect the Fan Blades
The fan blades in your AC circulate air through the system. Inspect the fan blades to see if there’s any visible damage and ensure that the fan is securely attached to the motor shaft. Clean the fan blades if necessary and tighten any loose fittings.
Clean the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain collects the moisture that accumulates during the cooling process and disposes of it outside. The drain may become clogged with debris over time, so it can’t drain water properly. Check your condensate drain for clogs. If it’s dirty, you can rinse it with a mixture of vinegar and water or bleach and water.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines
The refrigerant lines need insulation to maintain the proper temperature. Inspect the insulation on the lines to make sure it’s in good condition. Make sure to replace any damaged or missing insulation to reduce energy loss.
Check Window and Door Seals
If you have leaks around your windows and doors, you’re losing cool air and forcing your AC to work harder than it should to keep your home comfortable. Check the seals around your windows and doors to ensure there’s a tight seal that prevents cool air from escaping and warm air from entering.
Clean the Supply Vents
Check that all of your vents are clean and clear of obstructions or debris. Proper airflow is necessary to keep your AC running smoothly. If there’s debris, your system will have to work harder and may suffer a premature breakdown. The supply and return air grills and vents should always be open and clear. Vacuum the vents to remove dust, pet hair, or other debris that may have built up over winter.
Inspect the Electrical Components
Check all the electrical components for your system, including contact points, wiring, and connections. Look for any signs of corrosion, wear, or damage. Faulty electrical components can cause system malfunctions, so make sure to contact an AC technician for repair.
Keep Your Temperatures Lower
It may be tempting to keep your temperatures low throughout the summer, but it can take a toll on your AC. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 78°F will keep you comfortable without skyrocketing energy bills and excess wear and tear on your system.
Even better, invest in a smart thermostat. With programmable settings, you can set your thermostat a little higher when you’re not home to give your AC a break, then schedule it to start cooling before you come home.
Consider an In-Line Duct Booster
If you have forced-air cooling but some rooms are still too warm, a duct or vent booster fan can increase the flow of cool air in the room. In-line duct booster fans fit inside the duct of the room you’re trying to cool and turn on when your AC is running.
Consider a Whole-House Fan
Whole-house fans have been cooling homes since long before AC was invented. Regardless of the type of fan, they all work on the basic premise that an attic-mounted fan pushes hot air through the attic vents and draws cooler outside air in through open doors and windows. The rapid air exchange with a large fan can purge a house of hot air in just a few minutes, reducing some of the stress on your AC.
Control Heat Through Windows
In addition to keeping your AC running smoothly, you can make its job easier with some small lifestyle changes to keep your home cool. A lot of heat comes in through your windows, especially if they’re exposed to the sun and open. Keep your windows closed and covered with blinds or drapes.
Make Sure Your AC Is the Right Size
AC units are selected based on the amount of cubic feet they need to cool. This is important if you’re upgrading your AC or renovating your home. Choosing an AC unit that’s too small for your home may seem like you’ll get better cooling, but it will work too hard and wear out more quickly. Conversely, an AC that’s too large will cycle on and off, failing to cool properly and remove the humidity.
Take Care of Your AC for Consistent Cooling All Summer Long
Like any other appliance, the better you take care of your AC, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your AC running smoothly and cooling consistently all season long.
Is it time for maintenance or an upgrade before the summer season? ASI Hastings Inc. can help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for AC maintenance or repairs!
