How to Prep Your Air Conditioner for Summer
1. Clean or Replace Air Filters
The first step to preparing your air conditioner for summer is to check the air filters. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and allergens, which restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your system. Dirty filters can make your AC work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills and poorer air quality inside your home.
How to do it:
- If your unit has washable filters, take them out, rinse them with water, and let them dry completely before reinserting them.
- For non-washable filters, it’s best to replace them every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage.
Keeping the filters clean ensures that cool air flows freely and your AC doesn’t have to work overtime.
2. Inspect the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brain behind your air conditioning system, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s working correctly before the summer heat hits. Check that the temperature settings are accurate and responsive. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, this might be the perfect time to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat, which allows you to better control your energy usage.
Why upgrade?
Programmable thermostats can help you set temperature schedules, so you can have the air conditioner cool your home only when needed, saving on energy costs. With a smart thermostat, you can even control your home’s temperature remotely from your phone.
3. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your split or ducted air conditioning system can accumulate leaves, dirt, and other debris over the cooler months. A blocked unit reduces airflow and makes the air conditioner less efficient. Before summer, it’s important to clear away anything obstructing the unit and ensure it has plenty of space to ventilate.
How to do it:
- Turn off the power to the unit.
- Use a garden hose to gently clean the fins and coils, being careful not to bend them.
- Remove any leaves, dirt, or plants around the outdoor unit to maintain at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
This simple task can significantly improve your air conditioner’s performance during the peak summer heat.
4. Check Refrigerant Levels
Your air conditioner needs an adequate amount of refrigerant to cool your home effectively. If the refrigerant is low, your AC might blow warm air, or worse, it could lead to compressor damage. Unlike cleaning filters or clearing debris, this is one task that should be handled by a professional technician. If you notice a drop in cooling efficiency, it’s time to call in the experts.
Why refrigerant matters:
Low refrigerant levels could signal a leak in the system, which not only hinders performance but also poses environmental hazards. Have a licensed professional, like the team at Uncommon Electricians, check the refrigerant levels and top them up if necessary.
5. Clean the Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils in your air conditioner can accumulate dirt over time, especially if the filters haven’t been cleaned regularly. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to absorb heat, which means your air conditioner won’t be as effective at cooling your home.
How to clean coils:
- For the indoor evaporator coils, a soft brush or coil cleaner can do the job.
- For outdoor condenser coils, carefully clean the area around the coils and use a garden hose to gently wash them off.
Again, if you’re unsure or don’t want to risk damaging any components, having a professional handle this is a good idea.
6. Inspect the Ductwork (For Ducted Systems)
If you have a ducted air conditioning system, it’s essential to check for any leaks or obstructions in the ductwork. Leaky ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home, making your air conditioner work harder and your energy bills higher.
How to check:
Look for any visible signs of wear, like holes or loose connections. If you hear strange noises, such as rattling or whistling, it could be an indicator of a leak in the ductwork. Sealing leaks will keep cool air circulating efficiently throughout your home.
7. Test Run the System
Once you’ve completed these checks, it’s time to turn the system on for a test run. Let it run for 10–15 minutes and observe its performance. Is it blowing cold air? Is the airflow strong enough? Listen for any unusual noises, such as banging or rattling, that could indicate a mechanical issue. If anything seems off, it’s better to address it now rather than waiting until the height of summer when technicians are in high demand.
8. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check
Even if your air conditioner seems to be in good working order, scheduling a professional maintenance check is always a wise move. A qualified technician can inspect parts of your system that you might overlook, ensuring everything is working as it should be before the summer season kicks into high gear.
At Uncommon Electricians, we offer comprehensive air conditioner servicing, from cleaning and refrigerant checks to diagnosing potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your AC and help it run more efficiently, saving you money on both energy bills and future repairs.
Get Ready for Summer!
Taking the time to properly prep your air conditioner now can make a world of difference when the summer heat hits. By cleaning filters, clearing debris, and scheduling professional maintenance, you’ll ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all season long. Plus, regular upkeep can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and save on energy bills.
If you need any help with your air conditioning maintenance or repairs, call Uncommon Electricians today. We’re here to ensure your air conditioning system is ready to tackle the Queensland heat. Call us today at 07 3074 9486 to book your service!
