The warmer weather has arrived, but there is still time to prepare the AC unit for the heat of mid to late summer. This will ensure that the system is working at optimal efficiency for the busier days ahead. If you act quickly, the risk of a failure when the days are much hotter can be avoided. If you’re not sure about completing the maintenance tasks discussed in this article, contact your local HVAC specialist.
10 Steps to Prepare the AC for Summer
Ideally, you should complete ten steps to prepare the AC unit, but if you’re prepared to endure a little downtime these steps can be completed at any time:
- Remove the AC unit cover.
- Check the HVAC filter because a clogged filter will degrade the airflow which will make the system work much harder. This is a problem because overworked equipment will be more prone to failure and it will use more energy.
- Shut off the power to the external unit.
- Hose down the coils.
- Straighten the fins with a fin comb.
- Restore power to the outside unit and replace the cover.
- Set the thermostat to cool with a temperature lower than the current ambient house temperature.
- Wait five minutes.
- If the unit has not turned on check the breaker panel.
- After several minutes check to see if the room is cooler.
If the AC unit is not running, it’s time to contact a local HVAC technician to diagnose the cause and fix it for you. If the system is behaving strangely or you can hear strange noises, make sure to tell the technician because the clues can help them diagnose the problem.
The checks are all included in a summer AC system tune up. Many people schedule essential maintenance before the summer and winter months arrive. This ensures that the HVAC system is ready for cooling and heating. Regularly maintained equipment performs better, the energy efficiency is improved, there are fewer repairs and the system tends to last longer. When you consider the benefits, regular HVAC servicing looks like a real bargain.
What About Window AC Units?
It’s advisable to take a window AC unit out of the window during the winter months. If it is left in place more cleaning will be required to get the unit ready. Clean the coils, wipe the fan motor, replace or clean the air filter and test it. If the window unit is working properly, install it in the window and check it again to ensure that it’s cooling the room.
8 Low-Cost Cooling Solutions
Let’s face it, running the AC system can be a significant expense if you keep turning the thermostat down. But, it is possible to lower the cooling costs with these eight simple solutions:
1. Block the Sun
Natural sunlight generates a lot of heat that streams into the home through the windows and this is especially true if the windows face south. The heat will radiate throughout the room and furniture and soft furnishings can hold the heat for hours. Adding some high-quality blinds, insulated curtains, external awnings, or even trees to create shade can help.
2. Use LED Light Bulbs
A traditional light bulb can generate significant heat and if you have a few of them around your home the problem is exacerbated. Any sources of heat in the home will force the AC system to work harder which will drive up the energy bills. Using LED bulbs is a great option, they don’t generate too much heat and they emit pure bright light in a variety of colors.
3. Using Appliances at Night
If you need to cook food, do laundry, run the dishwasher or use any other heat generating appliances, leave it until the sun goes down. Unplug appliances if you’re not using them because they can still generate heat even if they are unused.
4. Add Extra Insulation
This is one of the best ways to keep the heat out in summer and the cold out in winter. This is a truly passive technology, as once the insulation is purchased and installed you can forget about it. The insulation in the attic and walls in many homes could be upgraded to improve the performance and energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
5. Seal Doors and Windows
When treated air escapes your home, it’s like throwing money out of the doors and windows. The framework around these areas is a prime spot for drafts and these should be sealed with caulk. Use weather stripping around the doors because you can leave it in place throughout the year.
6. Use Fans
We tend to forget about ceiling and floor fans when we have an HVAC system. This can be a costly mistake because fans are cheap to run and they do an excellent job. Fans can circulate treated air to make the rooms feel cooler without reaching for the thermostat. To maximize the effect, create a cross breeze and run the fan at lower speeds to keep the energy bills down.
7. Consider Zoned Cooling
If certain rooms in the home feel warmer than others, it may be time to consider zone cooling. Adding a portable AC system, a single-zone ductless mini-split or an efficient window AC unit can help in problem rooms and additions. Choose units with higher Energy Efficiency Ratios (EERs) or good Energy Star-rated systems.
8. Lower Your Body Temperature
It is possible to feel cooler if you drink more water, dress appropriately and take cold showers. At night, switch to summer bedding for sleeping and open the windows to let some cool air in.
In Conclusion
The best time to prepare the AC system for summer is a month early when it’s comfortable to work outdoors with tools, water, and cleaning products. If you need a HVAC specialist, they will be available which is less likely when the hotter weather arrives. Many people don’t prep at all and when their AC system won’t turn on they pick up the phone, which makes this a busy period for HVAC technicians.
If you want to schedule some essential maintenance for your HVAC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist.