During summers, most AC problems start when we are caught unaware and unprepared. The key to having an easy time during the hot weather is to be prepared for it. While transitioning from heating to cooling, remember that your AC has been shut for a long time. Instead of just switching it on, crossing your fingers, and hoping for the best, it is ideal to give the system a thorough once over. It will help prepare your cooling unit to run for long hours without trouble.
8 Tips To Get Ready For Air Conditioning Season
1. Clean The Complete Unit – Ask any HVAC technician, and they will tell you most HVAC issues start because of dust. When the AC sits idle, dust is gathering and settling inside it. Therefore, before you switch the AC, it is necessary to get rid of as much dust and dirt as possible. You can use a dusting cloth to wipe off all the loose dirt. For more obstinate accumulations, use a brush first to loosen it and then wipe it off.
When homeowners undertake the task of cleaning their air conditioners, one key piece of advice is, “please don’t disassemble your AC to get to all nooks and crannies in order to clean it. Restrict your enthusiasm and only clean the AC superficially.” This small cleaning endeavor will show surprising results when the AC is switched on.
2. Change The Air Filters – We all know we should change the air filters every month or quarter. Still, most of us forget to do so. As a result, they get blocked, making it difficult for the system to breathe. If the AC cannot get an adequate air supply, it will not work optimally. Clogged air filters will only put undue strain on AC, causing it to overheat and malfunction.
Changing the air filters right before starting the AC for the first time ensures there are no impediments to airflow. Replacing old air filters with new ones is an easy task, one which homeowners can perform themselves with ease and without any worries. To boost your confidence, you can check out a couple of YouTube videos.
3. Check All Vents And Registers – We all have the habit of moving around things. It gives a new appeal to the same old rooms and the decor. But one drawback of moving around appliances and furniture is that occasionally we land up blocking the vents and registers.
Before turning on the AC for the season, it would be good to go around and check that all vents and registers are open. While at it, clean the grilles covering them. If any of them is either blocked or closed, remedy the situation. Closed vents and registers can cause pressure differences and uneven temperatures. Hence, avoid such a situation.
4. Clear The Area Around The Outdoor Unit – The outdoor unit or the condenser unit is often the most ignored part of every air conditioning system. It also happens to be a critical part that should be regularly monitored. If you have been ignoring the condenser unit, now is the time to change matters and take charge.
The area around the condenser unit should be free of dense bushes or any buildups that can restrict the airflow. Do not allow dead leaves or other debris to collect around it. If the bushes have become dense, trim them such that they no longer impede the airflow.
5. Take Steps To Keep Heat Outdoors – The more proactive steps you take to keep heat outdoors, the more thankful your AC will be. Before summers roll in, check that your house is adequately insulated. If any discrepancies are discovered, like cracked windows or gaps in the door, take corrective action.
Similarly, it will help if you take down the flimsy curtains you had put up to let the sunlight in during winters and replace them with heavy drapes. These will help keep the heat outdoors. While at it, switch off all the unnecessary appliances and replace old bulbs with LED ones. All these steps prevent heat buildup indoors.
6. Change The Thermostat Batteries – None of us bother visiting the thermostat often. Therefore, we come to know of dead batteries in the thermostat when the HVAC system stops working.
An ideal solution to combat this problem would be to swap out old batteries with new ones at the beginning of each season, i.e., at the beginning of summers and winters. With fresh batteries in at the start of the season, you are all set for a happy and relaxed time.
7. Turn Off The Humidifier – Many homeowners use humidifiers to eliminate air dryness in winters. But during summers, continuing to do so will only add to the sweaty and clammy feeling. Consequently, it is essential to ensure the humidifier is off.
The prep work you do to become ready for the air conditioning season should always include checking that the humidifier is no longer on.
8. Schedule AC Maintenance – The most crucial thing every residential and commercial building owner should do is schedule AC maintenance. Try not to put it off for some time later during summer. The ideal time for it is just before switching on the AC for the first time. However, if it gets pushed back due to some unavoidable reasons, try to get it completed as soon as possible.
Final Words
Getting ready for air conditioning season is more about ensuring you give your AC the best shot at working efficiently and optimally. That is possible only if you don’t put it under any undue stress and avoid all situations that could lead to a snag or a fault. If it means asking a professional for help, so be it.
In West Palm Beach, Florida, Aztil Air Conditioning is there to help your AC push through the grueling hot season. You can rest assured that your HVAC is in good hands with us, for all our technicians are trained and certified with years of experience under their belt. All we ask you to do is book a preventive maintenance appointment as soon as possible by calling +1-888-729-8452. We promise you top-quality service and the best possible experience.
