How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Summer
What to Do Before Turning on Air
The temperature is steadily climbing outside. Soon it will be warm enough to turn on the air conditioner for the first time. However, to ensure efficient and safe performance, you should follow these steps before turning on the air conditioner:
Change the Filter
Depending on the type of air filter you use, the condition of the air in your home and how often you ran the furnace this past winter, you should plan to replace the filter one every 30 to 90 days. The changing season is a great reminder to check and change the filter if you haven’t in a while. A clean filter helps your air conditioner work better while more effectively filtering out contaminants from the air you breathe.
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Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
The condenser sitting outside your home is a crucial AC component. Before turning on the air conditioner, make sure it’s not blocked by any obstructions. If you placed wood boards on top of the unit last fall to keep leaves out, remove the boards now. Hose down the condenser to remove any twigs, grass, leaves, and other debris to help ensure optimal airflow once you start up the air conditioner.
Check the Condensate Drain
As your hardworking air conditioner dehumidifies your home, the condensate drain carries excess liquid away. If the drain has become clogged with fungus or algae, it could prevent proper drainage, leading to water damage in your home. If you discover the condensate drain is clogged, have a professional come unclog it for you.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
As with any other piece of complex equipment, air conditioners need maintenance to remain in top working condition. Plan to schedule a tune-up from a qualified technician once every spring to lower your energy bills in the coming months, catch developing problems early, and help prevent a mid-season breakdown.
Consider a Replacement
If an inspection from a technician reveals that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, it may be more cost-effective and convenient to replace your AC unit now rather than wait for total system failure. Rebates, specials, and financing help make the upgrade more affordable.
Need Cooling Services in New Jersey?
Now that you know how to prepare air conditioner for summer, it’s clear that a visit from Arctic Air Conditioning could be beneficial! Contact us to schedule air conditioner repair or replacement services today.
