How do you prepare your AC unit so it will function efficiently in time for the spring season? Your air conditioning system will be used with a growing frequency as we go through the spring season and throughout the summer months. You want to make sure that it is prepared to accomplish that task. After all, the comfort of your family will be relying on this unit for the next two seasons. Not only that, this is one way of caring for your air conditioning unit so it lasts for a very long time.
Fortunately, it is not that difficult to prep your air conditioning unit in time for the spring season. You just have to follow some important steps.
For the outdoor condenser unit
Before anything else, you might want to start with the unit outdoors.
- Check the outdoor unit panels. These are the panels that cover the condenser unit. It protects the electrical components inside. It is responsible for keeping the harsh winter weather from destroying your AC unit. Make sure this panel is not misaligned and that nothing is out of place. In case you notice that electrical connections are damaged, you should call a professional to work on it for you.
- Remove the covers and any blankets. To protect the outdoor unit, you probably placed covers or coil blankets on it before the winter season started. It is not time to remove these. You need to do this before you start the system. If you fail to remove this before starting the AC, it might lead to bigger problems that will surely cost you in terms of repairs and replacements.
- Work on any damaged pipe insulations. This is the suction line (or the bigger copper pipe that is in the outdoor unit). This helps supply the cool refrigerant to the compressor. You want to ensure that the foam insulation is not compromised. Otherwise, it will cause your unit to work harder than it has to – making you pay a higher energy bill. Make sure you repair or replace it to avoid this problem.
- Clean the unit from dirt and debris. If you find any trash, leaves or other vegetation on the unit, specifically the coil, you have to make sure to remove it. The condenser coils should be clean and free of debris because it will compromise its ability to transfer heat. This will also compromise the flow of air that is needed to make the unit function efficiently.
For the indoor air handler unit
Once you have checked the outdoor unit, it is time to focus on what is indoors. Here are the important things that you have to focus on.
- Replace the air filters. This will ensure that the quality of air that circulates your home is of the highest quality. It catches any dirt in the air and cleans it before sending it into your home. You want to make sure that the air filters are always clean. It usually requires changing every few months.
- Inspect the coil drainage hose. This hose is also known as the condensate line. This is where the water is drained when it condenses on the coil. Instead of staying on the tray, it is drained outside to keep it from destroying your unit. Make sure this is attached correctly and is not dirty or clogged.
- Clean out the supply vents and also the return grills. Although the air filter is clean, if the vents and grills are dirty, it can still compromise the quality of air that is circulating in your home. You have to make sure that this is not only clean – but also free from any blockage.
After doing all of these, you should turn on the AC unit to ensure it works. If not, then you should call a professional immediately. It is best to do all of these as soon as you can. You do not want to end up with a busted air conditioning unit when it starts to get too hot.
