Even though it’s still pretty cold outside, spring will be here before you know it. When the weather gets warmer, you don’t want to be caught unprepared with an air-conditioner unit that doesn’t work or doesn’t work well. When you need that air conditioner in the coming months, these tips will make you ready for anything!
To start, it’s a good idea to have your complete HVAC system inspected. Technicians have done inspections for years and will check and make sure everything is in working order. They will also give you tips on how to keep your system running smoothly. Sometimes, older systems won’t turn on after sitting through the winter not being used, and a diagnostics check needs to be performed to find and then fix the problem. The technicians will have your AC unit primed and ready for the warm summer ahead.
Here are some things you can do to prepare your air condition for spring.
Remove Debris & Clean
For starters, remove any covers from your unit that you may have put on to protect it during the harsh winter. Take off any tarps, straps, or anything else you may have used to secure those coverings. If your outdoor AC unit has an on/off switch that you may have switched off, be sure to turn it back on.
Take the time to remove debris from around your outdoor AC unit. If there are leaves, grass, growing weeds, or anything else that may have piled up around your unit, remove them. They can be a home for pests who might get into your unit. Removing the debris will also keep wind from blowing unwanted particles into your unit causing it to work less efficiently.
Also, if you believe any sort of pest has invaded your AC unit, make sure you have them removed before engaging your AC unit. It’s a good idea to check the panels on your AC unit to see if they are secure. And give a quick look to check that your coil drain is dripping into a pan which then drains unimpeded into a cleared drain.
Check insulation, supply vents & return grills
Check the status of the insulation in your unit and around the pipes, and check for ductwork leaks which can be extremely costly if not detected and repaired.
Another helpful tip is to check your supply vents and return grills. They should be open without any debris. If you do see any dirt, dust, or pet hair that may have accumulated over the winter, you can probably just vacuum that out.
If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your preferences, and they will keep the unit from working too hard when you are not home. This efficient thermostat will save you money.
One of the most important tasks you can do to keep your AC unit running like it should is to keep the air filter changed out on a regular basis. If you decide to use a cheaper filter, you will have to replace it more often. Filter replacement is one of the best ways to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently.
Check your refrigerant level
If you find you have a leak, you should think about repairing the leak immediately or replacing your unit. Refrigerant is not cheap, and it can drain your wallet if you have to keep refilling it. And if the repair breaks down, you’ll end up pouring more money into the unit through additional work. Remember, to check if the refrigerant your unit uses will be phased out. If that is the case, consider replacing it before then.
If you have an older, inefficient unit, you should consider replacing it with a new high-tech, efficient one. While your old unit is laboring through the summer, your energy bills can be substantially higher than they would with a new unit. Replacing your air conditioner would leave you with lower bills and eventually pay for itself. You might be eligible for various rebate programs or other ways for saving money on a new unit. Check our list here.
Call a High Efficiency Cooling & Heating Technician
Instead of going through this checklist on your own, you can always call on the professionals at High Efficiency for an AC Maintenance and Tune-Up appointment. Our technicians are NATE-Certified and available 24/7 for emergency service. It would be our pleasure to help you get prepared for spring.
