Preparing Your AC for Summer

Preparing for summer may mean planning cookout and getting a new swimsuit. But you also should take the time to prepare your home for the hot weather—specifically your air conditioning. Taking steps to get your system ready for summer can save you from having to make expensive emergency repair calls. Rather than suffer while waiting for your air conditioning service to make the needed repairs, learn how you can prepare your air conditioning system for summer.

Check your thermostat. Is it outdated? A newer, programmable, or WI-FI thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature for your schedule. If you have a programmable thermostat, ensure that your thermostat’s program is still current for this year’s schedule.

Check your ducts for leaks. Contact an HVAC professional to perform an inspection of your home’s duct and make any necessary repairs. Leaking ducts can make your system less efficient and can reduce the cooling abilities of your system.

Check your vents. Ensure all your vents are free of obstructions, including curtains, furniture, or toys. Airflow through your home will not only cool it better, but will also make it easier for your system to move air, preventing extra wear on your air conditioning unit. Clean pet hair, dust, and lint out of your vents as well. Perform a visual check to insure they are all open and not closed.

Clean your air conditioner drain lines. These lines move water away from the drain pan beneath the indoor cooling coil. If the lines aren’t clear, the water can overflow, causing extensive water damage inside your home. Flush the line with 1 cup of chlorine bleach and rinse it with a gallon of water to keep the drain clear for the summer, or ask your HVAC technician to clean the lies with your other routine service.

Change your air filter. The filter in your system should be changed every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change your filters more often. Inspect your filters, and if they look clogged with dust, replace them. Clogged filters can put strain on your air conditioning unit and recirculated dust and other contaminants through your home.

Check your electrical circuits and power switches. Ensure they are turned on to provide power to your system and that it can be powered on. Make sure that your system is also turned on.

Check and clean your outdoor condenser unit. Overgrown vines, bushes, fallen leaves, and dirt can interfere with your unit’s ability to function. Clear the area and check for debris inside the unit, and make sure that there’s no visible damage that requires repair.

Inspect the refrigerant lines. These lines should be wrapped with insulation. If the coverings are damaged, have our HVAC professionals replace the coverings. Well insulated refrigerant lines will prevent them from losing energy and help keep your system performing at its best.

Check your outdoor wiring for worn or frayed wires. If you discover damaged wiring, have it replaced by a professional. Damaged wiring can cause outages, but also can risk fires and electrocution.

Upgrade your system when necessary. Your HVAC unit has a lifespan of 10-12 years, an older unit can be less efficient and cost you more than a newer system. Replace your system when it comes time. When it is time to replace your system, call Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating for a FREE estimate.

Now that your air conditioning is ready to go, remember to keep it performing at peak efficiency with regular maintenance. Our Sarasota air conditioning service professionals can help keep your system in top shape, and will be happy to help you make upgrades and repairs. We’ve served Sarasota for over 25 years, and we have the experience and training to care for your home’s air conditioning and heating needs. Contact Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today.