Even in the depths of winter, many of us are thinking about the sweltering summer temperatures. This means that we should have plenty of time to prepare our air conditioners for the harsh demands of the summer. Unfortunately, many consumers are not sure about what exactly we should be doing to prepare our air conditioning systems. So, here is a basic guide to what you need to be doing to keep your AC running at peak efficiency.
Inspection:
The first step of preparing your air conditioner is an inspection. You should check your outdoor unit, particularly if it is the first time you will be using it after winter. The outdoor panels should be checked to ensure that the electrical connections are still properly enclosed and protected. If a panel has gone missing or become misaligned due to adverse winter weather, there is a potential risk for the equipment operation and your own personal safety. Panels need to be restored to their correct position by a professional HVAC technician as quickly as possible.
Clean the Area:
Once you have inspected your outdoor unit, you will need to clean the area. Ideally, there should be at least two or three feet of clear space around all the sides of your outdoor unit. Make sure that no plants, branches or shrubbery are touching the unit or blocking the area. You should also clear any leaves, grass clippings or other garden debris from near the unit to ensure there is adequate airflow. If the airflow is compromised, it can increase the strain on your system, increasing energy bills and forcing the system to work harder to maintain your desired temperature setting.
Change the Filters:
Your air conditioner system will feature a number of air filters and these need to be changed on a regular basis. Clogged filters will force your system to work harder as airflow is reduced. This can place additional strain on the system and cause extra wear and tear on vital components. Changing seasons is the ideal time to replace your filters and ensure that you are ready for summer. When you start using your air conditioner, you should be checking your filters each month and clean or replace it when it becomes dirty. The specific instructions on changing the filters can be found in your owner’s manual.
Clean Your Coils:
Your condenser and evaporator coils need to be kept clean to allow the system to function correctly. Dirt, sand, dust and other debris can accumulate on coils, preventing them from functioning correctly and transforming the refrigerant from a gas to liquid and back again. This will prevent your air conditioner from properly cooling, and if the build up becomes too severe, it may cause the unit to overheat and trigger a breakdown.
 Schedule Your Service:
As summer approaches, it is a good time to schedule your annual service. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your system thoroughly and perform any preventative maintenance that may be required. This will reduce the risk of a breakdown occurring when you need your air conditioner the most.