Preparing your home air conditioner for summer

Photo: Elwillo

Homes today are generally equipped with central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that push cold or hot air through ducts to be distributed and circulated throughout a home. The air conditioning unit is an essential component of any efficient HVAC system. Air conditioner maintenance should be a priority of all homeowners as the summer months with intense temperatures approaching. Maintenance is a dual effort by the homeowner and a professional HVAC service.

Look over the AC Unit and the Surrounding Area

Air conditioning units tend to be located in somewhat hidden areas outside of a home. Homeowners should get a head start by looking over the AC unit at the end of the spring season to look for any glaring issues and remove any type of cover placed over the unit during the colder temperatures. Clean and clear debris that is visible including twigs, foliage and bugs. Smaller or more stubborn obstructions can be cleared by rinsing the unit with an everyday garden hose. Homeowners should inspect the immediate area to ensure that a recommended 2 to 3 feet is cleared that surrounds the unit. Lastly, take mental notes or write down any concerns such as weak piping or exposed wiring.

Perform a Basic Test and Schedule Professional Maintenance

Perform a basic test following a thorough exam of the unit by changing the internal thermostat to cool for a short period to see if cooler air is being produced by the AC unit. Postponing this simple task could result in suffering through the first hot day of summer with no AC and waiting on a professional technician. There is still a great necessity to schedule a date for an HVAC professional, like a Lake Zurich air conditioning service to perform annual maintenance. Annual maintenance promotes efficiency, more manageable energy bills, and longevity of the AC unit. Homeowners can ask the professional any questions or discuss any concerns that were noted during the spring inspection.

Responsibilities Within the Home

Homeowners are responsible for other AC considerations within any home. Air flow should not be blocked in any way. All vents should be unobstructed including floor vents that should be free of furniture or rugs. Other vents might have small, visible blockages that can be easily removed. Filters are a vital part of the overall function and efficiency of an AC system. Homeowners have a responsibility to clean or replace the filters. Clogged filters can hurt the efficiency and general operation of an HVAC system, and they should be changed on a monthly basis. Reusable filters should be cleaned on the same time schedule or sooner as needed. Neglecting to Change the filters could result in much higher bills and pushing the AC unit to a point of disrepair.