With hotter weather on the way — or already here, in some parts of the country — it’s time to check out your air conditioner to ensure you keep your home cool in the next few months. Preparing your air conditioner requires that you set aside some time, but it’s a straightforward project that won’t take very long.
Cleanup Work
Change your air conditioning filter; you should do this monthly anyway, but if you’ve gotten a bit lax, start off with this easy task. After that, go outside to the compressor, if you have a central or mini-split system, remove any winter coverings you added, and clear away yard debris. Remove leaves, webs, and dust, and trim grass and plants around the equipment. For window and wall units, do the same to both the inner and outer halves of the unit.
Inspect the Parts
If you’re mechanically inclined, inspect the parts of the air conditioner starting with the compressor and moving on to the pipe insulation and the drainage hose. If you’re not so inclined or want extra help, contact HVAC Comfort to have one of our experienced AC repair technicians perform a complete system evaluation.
Consider Vent Cleaning
To clean your air conditioner vents most efficiently, turn off the unit, then unscrew and pull out the vent grilles and give them a good, thorough cleaning using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. To get the vents themselves clean, we recommend having a professional company come to your home and clean them with high-power vacuums and rotary brushes. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years (source).
Check Accessories
Inspect your windows and doors to ensure all are closing properly and completely, and that the weatherstripping is still in good shape. Also, check any ceiling fans to ensure they are set to rotate so they send a cool breeze down on your head (this is usually counter-clockwise). They should not still be on the cold-weather setting, which redistributes warm air that’s gathered at the ceiling back into the rest of the room.
Take care of the preparation as soon as possible. The sooner you find and solve any issues with the system, the more comfortable you’ll be in your home.
If you live in Oakland County and are looking for an AC or heating contractor, contact the team at HVAC Comfort today.