One of the primary challenges in Western NC is the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Summers can be sweltering, with temperatures soaring, while winters bring frigid temperatures and even snow in higher elevations.
How To Prepare Air Conditioner for the Summer
Having an air conditioner installed in your home is a major investment. Therefore, you need to ensure that you keep it in good shape. This will help you to avoid the discomfort of your AC unit failing to work on a very hot day.
Summer seasons in Western NC come when the temperature rises, so it is important to ensure that your air conditioner will help you cool your home as summer sets in. Some air conditioner cooling systems might be challenging to fire up after a long time of dormancy.
However, preparing your AC unit for summer will give you peace of mind knowing that you will have a comfy home during hot days. Preventive maintenance is recommended in ensuring the proper functioning of your cooling system.
The following are some tips to help you prepare your air conditioning system for summer. However, it is important to remember to turn off the power supply before you start the maintenance.
1. Check the Ductwork
Normally, most forced air heating units usually share the same ductwork as the air conditioning system. So, if your air furnace has been functioning properly, the ductwork is probably in good shape.
However, Premier Indoor Comfort Systems recommends that you inspect your ductwork for any chinks or holes and seal them if you find any. Just like with any other preventive maintenance, checking your ductwork will ensure the efficiency of your cooling system. This process usually takes less time, yet it is vital to prepare your AC system for the summer.
In addition, you should exercise care when cleaning the ducts. If possible, leave the work to an expert. Be sure to contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems for any helpful HVAC system tricks. Below are some tips to help you know when to clean your ductwork:
- If you notice some pet hair or debris coming out
- Visible mold
- When there is a bad odor coming out of the vents
- Insects have nested in the duct
- After renovating your house
2. Replace or Clean the Filters
Clogged filters can freeze the coils of your cooling system as they restrict airflow. For that reason, your air conditioner will have to work harder to attain the set conditioning level.
As a result, you will have to pay more money for energy bills. Replacing or cleaning the air filters is a simple task that will help you reduce the accumulated debris and dust. Be sure to replace or clean the filters regularly for a more efficient system.
3. Inspect the Coolant Tubes
The coolant tubes usually run from your outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator. Be sure to check the refrigerant tube insulation cover to prevent any energy losses. You can use foam insulating tape or sleeves to cover any area where you notice a tear of the insulation.
4. Clean the Coils and Condenser
After a long time of dormancy, your AC unit’s coils and condenser need cleaning. That is because there might be some build-up on the coils or the condenser that could restrict sufficient airflow.
Additionally, this can also inhibit heat transfer, which could result in poor performance of your AC system. This can lead to some more issues with your cooling system. However, you should cover your air conditioning system during the winter season to avoid dust accumulating in the conditioner’s coils and condenser.
Be sure to get rid of all grass, plants, debris, clippings, and leaves close to your condenser. You may use low-pressure air or a soft cloth to remove any accumulated mold spores on the AC coils. However, take care to avoid bending the fins. Once you end the outside cleaning, the next step is opening up your unit and cleaning it from inside.
5. Test Your System
Once you are satisfied with the maintenance work of your system, testing your cooling system is the next to last step.
Start by setting the thermostat to the desired cooling levels. Then, turn your air conditioning system on to check if it is running as expected. Also, you might need to replace the thermostat battery before powering on the system.
Top-Quality Service Technicians Available
If your system is not working even after replacing the thermostat battery, there could be an issue with the thermostat itself. In such a situation, be sure to call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems for proper maintenance. We can provide you with a professional inspection of your Western NC AC. We also offer heating system installation and maintenance, indoor air quality assessments and solutions and mini-split system installation and maintenance. We look forward to assisting you with your home comfort needs.