It’s time to dust off your A/C unit as we move into the warmer months. No one wants to be stuck without cool air on a hot summer day. With proper care and maintenance, your air conditioning will be ready to tackle any heatwave. We’ve created a list of our pro tips to keep your A/C unit running cool for the summer.
1. Schedule your A/C Tune-Up with Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
At Henry, our technicians provide the expertise needed to get your A/C unit in shape before summer hits. We offer maintenance plans that keep both your air conditioning and furnace on track, which can help prolong the life of your system and improve efficiency. Learn more about our service program here.
2. Safety First: Turn Off Your Unit
Before you do anything with your A/C unit, be sure to turn off the power supplies for your own safety. The outdoor unit, or condenser, typically has a 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box nearby to switch off the power easily. Additionally, switch off the power supply for the indoor unit and remove the batteries from your thermostat.
3. Inspect Your A/C Unit
While you’re outside switching it off, look around your A/C unit. Your air conditioner has been dormant for months now and exposed to the elements. It’s time to remove anything blocking the fan or surrounding it that could prevent proper airflow. April showers bring May flowers, and you need to keep those flowers and anything else at least 12 inches away from your A/C Unit.
4. Rinse Your A/C Unit
Use a hose to gently rinse off any debris built up on the cooling fins and grill and check the fins to see if they are bent. Plugged coils and bent fins can cause airflow issues. Do not use high pressure water, high pressure water can bend the fins. Chemical cleaning of caked on dirt or straightening of bent fins is best left to the pros, give Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call.
5. Check Your Air Filter
Your air filter traps dust, pollen, and other particles to prevent them from circulating in your air. Over time, buildup in the filter can reduce airflow, making your HVAC work harder and become less efficient. If you want your HVAC to perform at its best, make sure you’re staying on top of this important maintenance. Check out the advice section of our website for information about changing your air filter.
6. Check Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines connect your indoor coil to your outdoor condenser. These lines are normally covered with insulation. Take a quick look to see if you notice any obvious damage or missing insulation. It is important to keep the lines in good shape because they carry the refrigerant that keeps your house cool. Contact Henry Heating for checks and repairs using the right materials and service steps.
7. Test Your A/C Maintenance Work
The final step is to turn the power back on to everything and run your unit. Check to see if the air conditioning works and is cooling down your air. If it is making strange noises or seems to be taking a while to cool the air, it may require further maintenance to ensure optimum performance. You do not want to find yourself with a mechanical issue or reduced efficiency in the middle of summer.
When Do I Need an Air Conditioning Professional?
While DIY tips 2-7 should be done monthly in the summer, for a more thorough tune-up you need to book an appointment with your local heating and cooling company, Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
Our professional A/C maintenance visits ensure complex tasks are taken care of safely and correctly. Our technicians’ complete tasks such as:
- Checking refrigerant levels and finding leaks
- Deep cleaning coils and straightening bent fins
- Inspecting & maintaining the mechanical and electrical parts of the HVAC system
Professionals have the extra knowledge needed to spot issues before they become a problem, which can save you money and prevent discomfort.
Ready to book an A/C tune up? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
