When the temperatures start rising, you want to make sure that you can stay cool and comfortable in your home. After the long winter season it is a good idea to make sure that your system is in top shape before you need it.
Spring is the best time to have a full inspection done on your air conditioning unit to make sure that it is ready for the coming heat. You don’t want to get caught during an early heat wave with an air conditioner that isn’t working properly. There is nothing worse than being caught unprepared when the hot and humid weather starts moving through.
To avoid potential problems and ensure that your unit is working at maximum efficiency it’s a good idea to bring in the professionals to service your air conditioner. Being proactive and making your inspection part of your regular spring cleaning routine can save you problems and money down the road. Here are a few things that you can do to get your air conditioner in top shape and ready to cool your home when the heat moves in.
Filters
It’s easy to replace your air conditioning filters yourself without having to call in the pros. Just find the filter slot on the side of your unit and remove the old used filter. Make sure to check for the correct size and brand that has been recommended for your system. There are different levels of filters available depending on your needs.
If you have pets in your home or if anyone suffers from allergies you should be looking at the Hepa series of filters. These high-grade filters can help eliminate many contaminants in the air that can cause issues for your family. Your filters should be changed out every 60 days for maximum efficiency. Leaving a dirty or clogged filter in your air conditioner for too long can greatly reduce the efficiency of your unit, resulting in a waste of energy.
Performance
When you turn on your unit for the first time you may smell a mild dusty or burning odor. This is simply the settled dust from misuse over the winter being blown through the system. Once your unit is working, take notice of how long it is taking for cool air to be pushed through the vents. Also listen for any unusual noises or clanking that may be a sign that your unit needs to be serviced.
Cleaning
Before your technician arrives to do a full inspection and servicing, you should clear away any outdoor debris that has gathered near the unit. Do not remove the metal cover or take the unit apart to attempt deeper cleaning. You can use a water and bleach solution to clean the outside water drain on your unit to eliminate any built up mildew or mold. Inside your home, give all of your air vents a good cleaning and remove any dust or residue that has gathered.
Call In The Professionals
If you have noticed any issues with your unit like a strange and persistent smell, low air flow or slow cooling, it’s a good idea to have a professional technician come in and take a look. Trying to fix the unit yourself can result in voiding your warranty. A technician can do a full inspection as well as any repairs that are necessary. It’s always better to take care of small issues before they get out of hand and end up costing you more in the end.
