During summer, a cooling system can help keep your home comfortable against the high temperatures. Reliance on air conditioners is high during this period, which can lead to problems that reduce reliability. Spring provides ideal conditions to prepare your AC so it remains efficient throughout the hot season.
Here are six tips to get your air conditioner ready for the summer.
1. Clean or Replace Air Filters
Ensuring your filters are clean is a major maintenance task to ensure your air conditioner remains in optimal working condition. Your AC has filters that trap dirt particles such as pet dander, pollen, and dust from the air circulating in your home. The filter medium has fine openings to collect impurities in the air, and over time, trapped particles accumulate and clog the filter. This leads to restricted airflow, forcing the system to work harder to draw in air.
Your air conditioner can have washable filters, often made of woven polypropylene or polyester. They trap dirt using static electricity. As the air passes through the filter, it encounters friction, becomes charged, and is attracted to the inner layers of the media. Dirt accumulation can reduce the efficiency of the filters, so you should regularly check them. Before summer, clean the washable filters with a garden hose with a power spray nozzle. Spray the filter’s clean side to backwash and force the dirt particles out. Alternatively, soak the filters in a mild cleaning solution for ten minutes before rinsing. Allow it to dry, and then reinstall it. If the filter is damaged, replace it with a new one for better air cleaning.
Your system may also have disposable air filters that need to be replaced every two to three months, depending on the severity of dirt accumulation. They are often made with cardboard or paper frames and fiberglass, cotton, or polyester filter material.
Clean air filters can lower your energy bills by up to 15%. They also prevent excess wear and tear on the components, including the fan motor, which can lead to delayed system replacement. Additionally, they effectively remove harmful airborne particles for enhanced indoor air quality.
2. Clean AC Coils
Your AC system has coils that are responsible for removing heat and humidity from the warm air in your home. There are evaporator coils in the indoor unit and condenser coils in the outdoor air conditioner unit. The coils have refrigerant running through them, which absorbs the heat as the air passes through the evaporator. It then transfers the heat to the condenser to release into the outside air. When the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it turns into a gas and moves to the condenser coils. Here, it is compressed and cooled back to a liquid.
After some time, the coils can accumulate dust and grime. The dirt forms an insulating layer, preventing proper heat transfer and the system circulates air that’s not adequately cooled. As a result, the air conditioner has to work harder to provide the set temperatures.
Cleaning the coils is vital to ensuring your system has peak performance and reduced energy consumption. Due to the high risk of breaking the coils, we advise that you have a professional technician clean them. They may use compressed air or a pressure sprayer to remove dirt from the coils and fins. For stubborn dirt and grime, they may use a cleaning solution, too.
3. Clean Outdoor Unit
The AC condenser unit that’s outside your building is vulnerable to dirt accumulation. Debris, including small twigs and leaves, can fall into the unit. Pests may also find their way inside and build nests. Clean the external casing and the area around it. Ensure there is at least two feet of clear space all around the unit.
Have a technician clean the internal parts. There are thin, delicate aluminum fins that increase the condenser’s surface area. They make it easier to pass the refrigerant heat to the surrounding air. If they are bent, they restrict airflow and heat can accumulate in the unit. The professional will use a fin comb to straighten bent fins into near-original condition.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
The air conditioner is controlled through the thermostat. Smart thermostats give you better system control as they can be managed remotely. For instance, if you forget to turn off your AC, you can access the thermostat via a smartphone app. You can then adjust the system into power saving mode or turn it off or on wherever you are.
Additionally, a smart thermostat can track your energy consumption patterns and provide reports to help you realize where you are losing energy. You can use the recommendations provided to ensure you have better energy efficiency.
Ensure the thermostat is installed away from heat-generating sources, including the kitchen and near warmth-radiating appliances. Placing the thermostat in direct exposure to heat sources can cause false readings, leading to unnecessary system operation.
5. Clean Air Vents and Ducts
The ductwork and vents may accumulate debris, especially when your system operates with dirty air filters. This can lead to blockages and restricted airflow. As the air flows through, it may collect dirt particles and distribute them in your home, leading to lower indoor air quality. You can use a vacuum cleaner or dust the vents to remove dirt. Also, ensure no objects are blocking free airflow from the vents. An HVAC technician can inspect the duct and conduct cleaning services.
6. Professional AC Maintenance
A professional technician can help prepare your air conditioner for the summer heat. They will ensure all the components are working efficiently. Some moving parts, including the fan motor, require lubrication. Without adequate lubrication, the components have increased wear. This can lead to the overheating of the system and increased energy consumption. It can also cause damage to the components, necessitating costly repairs or replacement.
During an annual maintenance service, the technician will also check the refrigerant levels. Damage in the evaporator or condenser coils can cause refrigerant leaks. When your AC works with low refrigerant levels, it cannot cool properly. Some components, such as the compressor, may also be damaged. This is because the refrigerant also keeps the system components cool. Without it, the parts could overheat or completely break down if the issue is not resolved.
The technician will clean the condensate system. The condensate pan collects water droplets that form when moisture condenses on the evaporator coils. Due to the high temperatures and moist conditions, the pan provides ideal conditions for algae and mold growth. These can release spores into the house, triggering allergic reactions and respiratory issues. They could also block the drain pipe that directs the water away from the system to the ground and a pump that forces water out of the pan.
Our professionals at Kalins Indoor Comfort offer comprehensive AC maintenance services so your system provides a comfortable indoor climate throughout the season. We also provide heating, cooling, and air quality services to residents in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Contact us today at Kalins Indoor Comfort for dependable HVAC services.
