Spring is just around the corner and with a return of warm weather, you will need to turn your air conditioner on first time this year.
As it hasn’t been used for months, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that your AC cools down your house efficiently this spring and summer. One of the worst things you can experience on a hot and sticky day is to be without your AC unit. So follow the next tips and stay worry free this cooling season.
To ensure a clear air flow, the outside unit of your air conditioner (the condenser) needs at least two feet of empty space around it. That is why you need to make sure you remove any close shrubs, branches, wood piles and any other dirt. Also, in winter months, many small animals may find a shelter in the outside part of your air conditioner. In case you find nests, eggs or any other signs showing the presents of animals, hire an exterminator to safely remove your unwanted guests.
Blocked filters lead to poor air flow, affecting the cooling coil which eventually can cause your air conditioner to stop working. Even if you change your filters before the cooling season starts, check them out every month and change them again if they get dirty.
Also, check your thermostat. Adjust it to the right settings and change batteries. Moreover, as new generation thermostats have a wide range of functions which can significantly improve your unit’s efficiency, in case you have an older version, now it’s the time to consider replacing it with a new one which will allow you to set temperatures at specific times even when you are away from home, so you can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere immediately when you arrive home. Upgrading your thermostat can make your cooling much more efficient, saving you significant amounts of money.
In addition, a maintenance appointment is not necessarily required before you need to turn your unit for the first time. However, hiring professional technicians for your annual AC maintenance is needed if you want to keep your unit operating smoothly and efficiently, reducing the possibility of break downs. They will identify any small problems that can eventually lead to a major issue. Professional maintenance include tasks that you hardly can do yourself such as cleaning the coils, inspecting the condensate removal system, checking ductwork and refrigerant lines and conducting any required repairs.
Do not neglect your AC unit, follow these simple tips to make sure that your air conditioner will not let you down when hot days arrive.