Give yourself some peace of mind by preparing your air conditioner for the summer. Heating and cooling your home is one of the largest monthly energy expenses. With the recent perfect spring weather in Southern California, you might have forgotten summer is around the corner. If your air conditioner is not ready, it could cost you a lot of money to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Below are a few simple steps you can take to help ensure your air conditioner is running properly for the summer.
Clean or Replace Filters
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and even lead to freezing of the coils. It can also cause your air conditioner to run harder and for longer periods of time. This can then cause increased electric bills. Make sure to replace or clean your filters at least once every 3 months. It’s a simple step you can take that should not be avoided.
Inspect Ductwork
If you have not run into any problems with the airflow while using your furnace this winter, then your ductwork is probably fine. However, keep in mind it is never a bad idea to do a quick check of your ducting to make sure there isn’t any gaps or holes.
Inspect Condenser and Coils
Clean and clear any debris from around your condenser that may restrict the airflow. It is a good idea to do this before the start of summer. Any debris that can restrict the airflow can inhibit the performance of the ac unit and cause problems. It is important to push dust and any other debris out from the direction it came in. Always be careful not to bend any fins.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines
It is a good idea to also inspect the refrigerant lines, they run from the condenser to the evaporator inside the home. These lines are typically covered with insulation to prevent any energy loss. Inspect the lines to make sure there isn’t any missing or damaged insulation. If any damage these can easily be covered with foam insulation or insulation tape. Also be sure to inspect the suction line, the large copper pipe on the outdoor unit. These lines bring the refrigerant back to the condenser, make sure the line feels cool to the touch.
Call A Professional At The First Sign Of An Issue
If after you turn the air conditioner on, the air does not feel cool or there is no air coming out at all something is wrong. We recommend you turn the system off and call a trusted HVAC contractor to diagnose the issue. You might be tempted to run the system to see if the problem resolves, however running a system that is not working properly can cause a lot of damage. The best thing to do in this case would be to call and HVAC professional.
Regular Maintenance
At the very least we recommend you schedule regular maintenance of your HVAC system to keep it running properly and efficiently. By completing regular maintenance, you will be able to catch any minor issues before they become costly issues on the hottest days of summer. The worst thing that could happen is when you go to turn on your system when you need it the most and it doesn’t turn on. Now is the time to take a few simple steps to prepare your air conditioner for summer.
Take notes of any concerns you may have while you complete an inspection of your system. Bring them up to a qualified technician to help prevent any major costly damage to your air conditioner. A professional maintenance visit can help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively throughout the summer months. Call us today at (818) 341- 3406 or contact us online to see how we can help you stay cool this summer. To learn more about other services we offer, please visit our homepage here.
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