As the warm weather approaches, there are many things you should do to ensure your air conditioner is ready to keep you cool. Without performing proper maintenance, you may find yourself waiting days on end for your trusted HVAC team to come out and make any necessary repairs. But what exactly do you need to do to prepare your air conditioner for summer?
At R & D Heating and Air, we understand how important it is to have a well-functioning air conditioner through the hot summer months. If you fail to perform maintenance before the summer hits, you may be disappointed when you realize that your system isn’t working or isn’t blowing cool air. If you want to learn more about how to prepare your air conditioner for the summer and ensure your home is comfortable all season long, keep reading.
Checklist to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer
There are several steps you should take to prepare your air conditioner for the summer months to ensure it functions properly throughout the warmest days of the year. Some of these tasks include:
1. Change Your Air Filters
One of the most important steps to take to prepare your air conditioner for summer is to change your air filters. During regular use, the filters in your HVAC system will catch dirt, dust, and debris. As this builds up, you may find your system isn’t working as efficiently, leaving your home warmer than you’d like. Before the season starts, change out your filters and remember to change them every two months or more frequently if you have severe allergies or an abundance of pet dander in your home.
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner may accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris throughout any inclement winter weather. Before the summer heat sets in and it’s too warm to do so, prepare your air conditioner by cleaning it. Remove any debris from the surrounding area, trim back vegetation to ensure adequate airflow to the unit, and use a hose to gently rinse away dirt and grime from the unit’s coils. However, be cautious as you clean the unit to avoid bending or damaging any of its delicate materials.
3. Check Your Refrigerant Levels
Adequate refrigerant levels are an essential component for an efficiently functioning air conditioning unit. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it can lead to decreased cooling and potential damage to your compressor. If you need to top off your refrigerant levels to prepare your air conditioner for the summer months, reach out to a trusted HVAC technician. They can check the refrigerant levels and top it off as necessary. They may also catch refrigerant leaks before summer starts to prevent future issues.
4. Inspect and Clean Your Air Ducts
If your air ducts are leaky or dirty, this can significantly impact the performance of your air conditioning unit. If you want to prepare your air conditioner for the summer, inspect your ducts f or signs of damage, such as gaps, cracks, or disconnected joints, and seal any leaks with foil tape. If you need air duct cleaning, it is best to contact a trusted HVAC professional. They can help remove any allergens and dust from the ducts, improving airflow and indoor air quality.
5. Test Your Thermostat
Before the summer starts, it is a good idea to test your thermostat to ensure it is working properly. Check that it responds accurately to any temperature adjustments and that the display on the device is clear and legible. If you have a programmable thermostat, program it to reflect your summer cooling schedule, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency. If it isn’t functioning properly, change the battery. If it continues to malfunction, you might want to speak to your HVAC professional about replacing it.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
If you are trying to prepare your air conditioner for summer but aren’t sure where to begin, it might be in your best interest to speak to your trusted HVAC professional about scheduling a tune-up. During this tune-up, they can catch any minor problems before they become more significant, inspect and clean components, and make necessary repairs to ensure they run efficiently during the summer. Regular maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your system and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. To avoid unnecessary damage, make sure to schedule maintenance at least twice a year.
Prepare Your Air Conditioner with R & D Heating and Air
If you need to schedule professional maintenance to prepare your air conditioner in the Roy, Utah, area, turn to our team at R & D Heating and Air. Our team has over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, and we’re confident that we can make any necessary repairs to ensure your air conditioner is well-prepared for the summer season.
Whether you need air conditioner maintenance, air duct cleaning, home humidifiers, or appliance repair, our team provides it all to ensure everything is running smoothly. If you would like to schedule maintenance to prepare your air conditioner for summer, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.