DIY: How to Get Your Air Conditioning System Ready For The Summer Heat

By editor2 | March 27, 2018 |

Spring is officially underway, and now is the perfect time for performing some maintenance on your HVAC unit. With the harsh winter gone, for now, checking your AC unit is the best way to ensure that it starts and runs properly before the warm weather hits.

Manufacturers contribute an estimated $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy, but most homeowners would rather avoid paying for a brand new air conditioner at all costs. That’s why performing regular inspections on your HVAC equipment is so important.

In fact, your outdoor unit should be cleaned before every major season to prolong its lifespan and improve energy efficiency. If you get the time to get out there and perform a quick visual checkup, follow these steps to make sure your unit will be able to handle the summer weather with ease.

Shut off the power

This is a basic step but can help save a lot of pain in the future. Turn the power off at the condenser via an exterior shut-off switch as well as at the breaker box.

Clean the the unit

Remove the fan cage and clean out any debris inside the unit such as leaves and twigs. You should also remove any debris from around the unit as well — if the condenser/compressor are covered it could hinder any heat transfer.

Clean and Straighten the Fins

Using a very low-pressure hose, spray the sides of the unit from the inside out to get rid of anything stuck in between the fins. Make to use light pressure when doing this so you don’t damage the fins. If any fins are bent, do your best with a butterknife, fin-straightening tool, or thin edge of some kind to straighten them back out.

Make sure it’s level

A unit that isn’t level can cause unnecessary strain and ultimately shorten the lifespan of the compressor. However, if you have a model that uses a heat pump system then it’s alright for your unit to be a little uneven.

Homeowners from the northeastern parts of the Lone Star State often learn from experienced AC repair specialists in Rockwall, Texas how a common mistake like improper placement can lead to long-term issues. They also find that small adjustments made early on can prevent avoidable damage and keep the system running smoothly.

Clean the evaporator coil and drain

Now that the exterior unit is good to go, you can move inside to work on the interior. Locate the evaporator coil door on the inside of the furnace unit; you may have to remove tape and screws to open it. Once open, clean the coil with a soft brush and a no-rinse coil spray that you can pick up at most hardware stores. You’ll need to drain the drip pan and clean that out as well after you’ve clean the coils. After you’re done with the coil you’ll need to locate the evaporator drain and using a shop vac, suck out any possible gunk.

Change the filter

Once all else is completed, the last thing you should do is replace the blower filter. Be sure to follow all air flow directions and remember to close the door to the filter enclosure afterward. It’s also a good idea to check for gaps and cracks within your home since the average family spends an estimated $350 on air that leaks into or out of the house.

Cleaning and maintaining your HVAC unit is the best way to ensure your A/C is working at max capacity this summer season. Call the AC repair Denver experts if you’re having trouble with your air conditioning unit.