When the first day of summer hits, the last thing you want is to turn on your air conditioner to find it’s not cooling as it should. To prevent this from happening, make sure you prepare your unit for the hot days ahead. Here are some things you should do.
- Change the filter
Changing your air conditioning filter is probably one of the easiest ways to prepare your AC for the summer. Replacing your filter can be a simple DIY project. It is recommended that you replace your filters every month or two to keep your AC running smoothly. - Clean the fins and condenser coils
Using a small brush or water hose, gently clean the fins and coils of your AC unit on a regular basis. Ensure that you are not using a hard brush or spray setting that can potentially damage the system in the process. Cleaning the fins and coils allows your AC unit to run better and produce cleaner air. Dirty air conditioning coils impact efficiency and increase energy costs. - Check for airflow leaks or obstructions
Be sure to check whether ducts or connectors are loose or damaged, as this can reduce airflow. Blower components need to be checked as well. - Check the thermostat
Ensure your thermostat is connected and working properly.
If you do not have a smart thermostat, you might want to consider getting one. A smart thermostat will allow for temperature settings to be automated throughout the day. Smart thermostats can prevent energy wastage as they can be programmed to stay off when everyone is away and come on before your family gets home. - Remove debris from around the outside unit
Debris and plants close to your AC equipment can result in less than optimal performance of your unit. Debris can also find its way into your AC system and cause damage that can be costly to repair. It is therefore imperative that debris is cleaned away from your unit regularly. - Test the AC unit
Turn on your air conditioning unit for at least 15 minutes to make sure it is working, and listen for anything that sounds out of the ordinary and look for parts that are out of place or missing.
It would be wise to hire an HVAC technician to inspect and service your unit if you discovered a problem while doing your checks.
Is it time to replace your AC unit?
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, is not efficient, has frequent breakdowns, or you are facing expensive repairs, it might be time to replace the unit.
If you are looking to purchase a new air conditioner, you are sure to find a unit that suits your needs at Canada HVAC. Not only will we connect you with the right cooling solution for your home, but we can even recommend a local installer.
Visit our online store to view our products, or if you have questions, give us a call today to speak with one of our HVAC technicians.
