It’s summertime, the temperatures are back up, and it feels great. That is—until your air conditioner unit stops working during a heat wave! We’ve all been there, but the good news is it can be avoided. You can have a pleasant and cool summer if you take the time to prepare your air conditioning unit ahead of time.
If you’re concerned about how well your air conditioning unit will perform this summer, review our tips for preparing the unit before those sunny days arrive:
Safety First – Turn The Power To Your AC Off
Before you do any AC maintenance, turn your air conditioning system off first. You can likely find the switch for your central air conditioner in the main breaker box. If you don’t see it there, check for a separate breaker box outside your house, next to the cooling system unit. Once you have found it, turn the power off and wait at least 30 minutes to ensure the power in the capacitor has had sufficient time to drain.
Clean Or Replace All Filters
Now that you have the air conditioner ready for preparation, start cleaning or replacing all the filters in your air conditioner. Be sure to set reminders to do this a few times a year; this will ensure only clean and filtered cool air is circulating throughout your house.
Clean The Condenser Coils
It’s a good idea to clean the coils in your condenser unit, as they play a key role in keeping your home cool. Condenser coils do this by transferring heat from inside your home to outside. You can find the coils in your condenser unit, and it will look like a metal box with grills on the sides. Clean the coils with a garden hose, ensuring no dirt, grass, or other debris is on it.
Clean Outside Of The AC Unit
Air conditioners must also be cleaned outside as leaves and dust may have collected over the cooler months. Any debris can hinder the air supply, so always clean the debris and prepare your air conditioner for optimal use in the warmer months.
Check Your Coolant Lines
Check the refrigerant pipes that run between the condenser and evaporator. These coolant lines should be checked to ensure no damage to them or the insulation around them. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult a professional HVAC service.
Change The Mode & Temperature
Another way to prepare your air conditioner for summer is by changing the temperature and mode of your AC unit. Check that your air conditioner thermostat is in cooling mode before summer. Keep your air conditioning unit between 23ºC and 25ºC initially, and later lower it depending on the weather and sunlight in your home.
Get Help With Your Air Conditioner For Summer
Are you ready to prepare your air conditioner for the sweltering days ahead? For optimal results, get air conditioner service in Winnipeg to make the most of the bright and sunny days ahead with peace of mind.