It’s spring! You’ve got the windows open. Springtime flowers are beginning to bud. You’re starting your springtime cleaning and dusting off the gloom of winter.
But summertime will be here before you know it.
It’s also time to spring clean that air conditioner and get it ready for summer.
Don’t wait for the first horrendous heat wave to find out your AC doesn’t work. Get the annual routine air conditioning maintenance and inspection done and out of the way before the busy season hits. This way you can relax in cool and comfort knowing your air conditioner is in top performing condition.
Here is what you need to do to get your air conditioner ready for summer.
Schedule your annual checkup from HVAC 911
Beat the rush by scheduling your annual air conditioning checkup in the spring. Don’t wait until summer, when you’ll have to compete for scheduling. It’s a great way to give your AC a tune up to ensure it’s working at top performance and efficiency. A professional HVAC tech like the contractors affiliated with HVAC 911 can inspect your system for any problems, check the refrigerant levels, see if any parts need replacing or any components need tweaking. We can spot small problems before they become more expensive.
Regular annual maintenance from a professional HVAC specialist will help your AC unit last longer and maintain peak performance.
Cut the power before servicing your air conditioner
Safety first. Before servicing your air conditioner, cut the power by turning off the circuit breaker and turning off the power to the condenser at the service panel. The condenser typically has a 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box located near the unit.
Clean and replace filters
Filters should be inspected and cleaned or replaced every month. Otherwise, they will clog and lead to less air flow. This will cause your air conditioner to work harder, and it can exacerbate breathing issues for those with asthma or allergies. It’s a good idea to keep extra filters on hand so you can replace them when necessary.
Clean the condenser coils
The condenser unit is a large fan in a metal box that has grilles on the side. Ideally, you covered it with a tarp or air conditioner cover over the winter to protect it from dirt. If this is the case, simply remove it. If not, you’ve got your work cut out for you. You’ll need to clear away the dirt, dust and leaves that have accumulated. Remove the protective grilles from the unit. Using a refrigerator coil brush or a soft brush on a vacuum to gently clean the coils from the outside of the unit. Be careful not to bend the delicate fins.
Clear the area around the unit
Shubs, debris and plants growing around the outside of the unit can disrupt airflow and lead to problems. Cut the grass. Remove any interfering vegetation. Trim back bushes so they are a few feet away from the air conditioner. Keep items such as bicycles, gardening supplies or wood a few feet away from the unit. This will prevent obstructions that could damage or overwork your air conditioner.
Need your AC serviced? Call HVAC 911!
If you need annual inspection and maintenance done to your air conditioner, call HVAC 911. We are a network of local HVAC contractors that can inspect and maintain your unit. We’ll get your air conditioning running at top performance so you are cool and comfortable for summer.
