3 Ways To Get Your AC Ready For Summer
Instead of waiting until the temperatures rise to think about your air conditioning, it's smart to plan ahead. Perform some basic maintenance now to get your AC ready for summer so that you'll be ready when that first really hot day hits. Following these tips will ensure your AC is working in tip-top shape when summer comes around.
Change or Clean the Filter
If your AC filter has been sitting and accumulating dust and grime since last summer, it needs to be changed or cleaned before you use your air conditioner. The AC filter helps keep the air that circulates throughout your home clean. If the filter itself is dirty, however, it can't do its job as well, which means your air quality suffers. A clogged and dirty air conditioner filter also leads to a sluggish AC system since it has to work much harder to pump cool air through a dirty filter.
Depending on the model of your air conditioning unit, you either have a disposable filter that should be tossed out and replaced or a permanent one that can be rinsed with cold water and then allowed to dry. Double-check your model's user guide to be sure.
Clean the Area Around the Outside Unit
Over the winter months, the area around the AC system's outside unit can become cluttered with fallen tree branches and other debris. You may also have stored items next to the AC unit while it wasn't in use. In order to work at maximum capacity, your outside AC unit should be free of debris and have plenty of space around it for proper airflow. When the area has been cleared, you should also clean your AC unit with a hose, making sure it is turned off and unplugged first.
Have an Inspection
Having your air conditioner inspected by a professional HVAC company is always a good idea. They will troubleshoot, inspect, and test the various components to make sure everything is working properly. They can repair or replace any parts that are worn out or not functioning as efficiently as they should. This will help extend the lifespan of your air conditioner while also preventing cooling problems once summer arrives.
Following these tips and getting your AC ready for summer will help ensure your home stays comfortable as the temperatures climb while also helping to preserve the quality of your HVAC system.
For more information, contact a company like Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc. that offers AC services.