Don’t get trapped in the intense summer heat if the temperature increases! The last thing you want on the first truly hot day of summer is to discover that your central air conditioner is broken. However, if you don’t perform some fast yearly maintenance before summer arrives, this may be the case. Spring is the ideal time to prepare your air conditioner for the summer.

An interior air handler and an exterior compressor are used in a central air conditioner. The condenser unit is usually installed outside. This part of your air conditioner has to be cleaned and maintained. During the frigid winter months, your air conditioner has been gathering leaves and other dirt. Replacing the filters, cleaning the condenser, and doing a few basic inspections can have your AC unit in working order to run and chill your home efficiently this summer.

In six simple steps, here’s how to get your air conditioner ready for summer.

1. Safety First

Before working on your air conditioning system, turn off the circuit breaker. Before working on your air conditioner unit, make sure you switch off the electricity to the condenser at the service panel. A 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box is usually situated near the condenser. To turn off the condenser, use a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker. Make careful to deactivate this as well.

2. Change the Filter

For households that have central heat and air, this is a no-brainer. Your air conditioner’s filter acts as its lungs. Allowing dust, filth, and debris to accumulate will make it work harder to cool the house.

If it gets too severe, your coils will become dusty, trapping humidity and causing them to freeze. If you’re using ordinary fibreglass filters, change your filter once a month. We recommend upgrading to more environmentally friendly and efficient HEPA filters.

3. Remove Outside Debris

Remove dirt and debris from the condenser using a garden hose spray nozzle. If needed, use a paintbrush to remove any debris from the fins and coils. Check your manual for the recommended cleaning frequency for your unit. Some manufacturers instruct that you should scrub the coils and fins every month.

4. Clean the Coils

Clean the area around your condenser coils using a high-pressure hose. Pay special attention to the fan housing and the ventilation louvres. After the coils are clean, wipe away any excess water with a rag or a leaf blower. Use caution when cleaning the coils; if any damage is done, the unit will not function properly. If you have a team of workers to assist, have one person on the ground and the other at the top of the unit to avoid injury.

5. Check the Base

Make sure the base is level. In some cases, the unit may be slightly tilted and should be realigned to be evenly level. Realignment is done by removing the housing caps and adjusting the flanges.

6. Turn the Power Back On

Turn the power back on and start the system to ensure everything is working properly. Make sure cold air is coming out of the vents. If the problem continues to persist, call a professional. If you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, make sure you use a qualified and experienced professional to do the work. If you decide to replace your air conditioner, turn to a company based in your hometown. It’s important to support local businesses and keep your money in the community.

Conclusion

Maintaining your air conditioner is key to keeping it running at peak efficiency. Hiring a professional to do the work is your best option. Before working on your air conditioner, be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the condenser at the service panel. Keeping your air conditioner running at peak efficiency will help you save money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Are you looking for an air conditioning service in Lethbridge? 4 Seasons Home Comfort, located at 3620 9 Ave North, has been in the HVAC, Air Conditioning, and Heating business supporting Southern Alberta for 40 years! Contact us today for all your HVAC needs at (403) 320 – 9884.