Preventing maintenance: Start your A/C before summer is here.
Some years in the Boston area, it seems we have two seasons: winter and summer. We sometimes go from frigid temperatures and very active use of our furnace or boiler system right into blazing heat and regular use of our air conditioners . We all know that a break in the weather means summer is coming — and coming FAST!
Very soon, you and many other homeowners will seek relief from the heat that only comes from your central air conditioning system. You want your system to work its cooling magic not only the first time you need it, but every time you turn it on this summer.
Check Your System Now, Before You Need It – Preventing maintenance
It’s a great idea to check your system now for any problems or needed maintenance, to be sure it is in good working condition before starting your A/C for the first time this summer. By checking your system now, you can do simple repairs or call for service from a professional before the weather gets warmer. Waiting and crossing your fingers when you go to turn on the system on our first hot day could cause days of discomfort while you wait for repairs.
There are some simple steps you can take to visually and physically inspect the different parts of your system to be sure your air conditioning will work when you need it. Here’s what we recommend :
Indoor Equipment
Begin with your thermostat in the “off” position with the temperature turned to a high setting (around 80 degrees), then check the following:
- Look at thermostat . Is it outdated? You could save money and energy by installing a newer, programmable thermostat.
- Check any exposed ductwork for wear , which could be a source of cooling loss or inefficiency in the home.
- Look at air vents around the home . Remove any items that could block airflow, such as drapes, furniture or toys.
- Check the drain line
. There is a drain by the indoor cooling coil, typically mounted above the
furnace in the basement. If you flush one cup of chlorine bleach down your air conditioning drain and
rinse it with a gallon of water, you can keep your drain clear through the summer. - Change your air filter . The filter should be changed every three months and definitely before the start of a new cooling or heating season.
- Check circuits to be sure electrical connections are on.
- Be sure the power is turned “on” at the furnace/air conditioning unit.
Next, you can check the outdoor equipment for overgrowth and wear.
- Inspect the outdoor condenser unit . Make sure there is no blockage in or near the equipment and clean the area around the unit. Leaves, vines or debris can block the interior components and affect performance.
- Visually check the refrigerant lines. The lines should be insulated. Proper insulation will improve the efficiency of the system. Repairs to the insulation or refrigerant lines should be done by a professional.
- Check to make sure there is no wear on the outdoor electrical wiring . If you see damage or wear, call a professional for service before using your system.
Try it Out: Turning on Your System – Preventing maintenance
After you have checked your indoor and outdoor equipment as described above, you can turn on the system to test it. To begin, lower the temperature on your thermostat to the desired level and turn the system “on” at the thermostat. Next, go outside and listen to make sure that the fan in the condenser is running and that is doesn’t sound irregular. The air coming out of the top of the unit should feel warm as warm air is being removed from your home by the system.
Let the system run for 10 – 15 minutes or more, until you can feel the indoor temperature cooling off in all parts of the home.
Troubleshooting and Energy Tips
In general, you should hire a good service technician at least once per year for regular maintenance to keep your system running efficiently in each season. If you ran into any problems or concerns during your air conditioning inspection, you should call a professional for service in advance of the summer season when you’ll want your system to be ready to cool your home.
To help keep your energy bills under control during the summer, you can lower costs by simply increasing the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees.
Start your AC before hot season is here. Schedule a professional preventing maintenance with 247 Local HVAC
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Address
1200 Brickell Avenue Suite 1950, Miami, FL 33131
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