Ah. The sweet sounds of summer: birds singing, children playing outdoors, and the hum of your A/C. Make sure your A/C is ready to go before the heat sets in with regular maintenance now. Maintenance keeps your A/C running smoothly and also extends its lifespan. Although experts recommend professional maintenance for your AC once a year, here are steps for those of you who are ready to Get Your A/C in Shape for Summer.
Turn OFF Power
Turn OFF power to the unit completely before doing any maintenance work on your A/C from your breaker box.
Remove Debris
Clear the area surrounding your A/C unit. Cut back branches and plants within a few feet. Remove the cage and fan grill from the top of the unit with a screwdriver to remove any leaves and debris from the interior.
Check the Fins
Use a shop vac to remove dirt from the outside of the unit. Next, gently hose down the fins spraying from the inside of your A/C to the outside of the unit (Note: do not use a pressure washer — the fins are fragile and can easily be damaged). Aluminum fins can easily bend and block airflow, so if you notice yours are out of place, consider purchasing a Fin-Straightening Tool.
Clean the Coil
Cleaning your evaporator coils is essential to the cooling performance of your unit. How they work: evaporator coils capture heat while condenser coils release it outside your home around the A/C unit. If they aren’t maintained regularly, they’ll collect dirt and reduce airflow. To clean the coils, open the coil door on the inside of the unit and remove the screws (set them to the side where they won’t get lost). Lightly scrub the coil with a soft brush then spray it with Foam Coil Cleaner. Next, clean the drain pan underneath (the foam will drip onto it) with water, soap, and bleach. Allow it to dry completely before closing the coil door.
Check the Filter
Wash the filter with warm water and soap and let it dry before re-installing. Replace your filter if necessary. Replace filters at least once a year. Some experts suggest twice a year before summer and winter.
Clean the Drain Line
If you notice the A/C condensate drain line is clogged, take a stiff wire and pass it through the drain channels. Clogged drains can create excess moisture. Keep an eye on your drain line during the summer to ensure condensation isn’t compiling.
Turn the Power ON
Now that you know how to Get Your A/C in Shape for Summer by working through this list, turn your power back ON. Sit back in your comfortable home and listen to your A/C hum. Remember to contact a licensed technician to check your A/C at least once a year.
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