5 Tips to Ensure Your AC Is Ready for Summer

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For many people, it’s second nature to ensure the house is ready for winter, but what about the summer months? Many view winter as the harsher season, and in some respects, it is. This being said, you don’t want to be uncomfortable during the summer heat, either. Here are five tips to ensure that when you flip the thermostat to cool and set it to a comfortable temperature, your AC will turn on and you’ll say, “Ah…” when you walk inside.

1. Replace Your Filters

Step one is to replace your air conditioning unit’s filters, including the intake and outtake filters. Make certain all filters are brand new and ready to mitigate allergens, dust, and debris. While you’re at it, climb a ladder and clean the vents at the end of your air ducts. They get dusty, too, and as the air blows through, the dust and other irritants are introduced into the air you breathe. Check out your ducts, and if they are filthy, hire a professional to clean them for you.

2. Clean the Coils

It’s important to ensure that your air conditioning unit’s condenser coils are spotless prior to the hot summer months, as well. If you aren’t certain what the condenser is, it’s the metal box on the top of the unit (usually) that has what looks to be a large fan inside surrounded by metal grilles. Clean the condenser coils by unscrewing the panels and gently lifting the top upward. Go slow so as not to tug the wires connected to the fan. Brush the coils carefully to loosen the dirt and vacuum them.

3. Clear the Debris in and Around Your Unit

Throughout the fall and winter, debris gathers up around your air conditioner unit. Clean up the area thoroughly, making certain there are no more leaves and dirt piled up around the HVAC’s concrete base. Also, make certain the condenser drain is cleared and ready to allow the water dripping from the unit to flow easily down it. Clean the blower’s fan blades and vacuum out any dirt accumulated inside the unit. Make certain everything is bolted tightly and the area is spotless.

4. Make Certain Coolant Lines are Good to Go

Your coolant lines deliver the precious fluid that keeps the cold air flowing into your home. Check all lines to make certain the insulation wrapped around them is intact. If there are any spots where the insulation is frayed or missing, check for coolant blockage and then call a professional to replace it. You should also check to make certain your unit has enough approved coolant prior to its seasonal work and that the coolant isn’t dirty or discolored.

5. Give it a Test Drive

Finally, after everything has been checked and cleaned and your air filters replaced, set your air conditioner to a cold temperature and flip the thermostat on. Make certain it activates the unit’s power and you have cold air flowing into your home. If you do, great! If you don’t, call a professional.

Don’t sweat this summer. Prepare your AC for its job to make certain that when the mercury rises you’ll be ready to stay cool indoors.