Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Summer is just around the corner and I bet you're getting excited but is your AC ready? Here's how you can prepare your AC for the summer.

Don't become a stewing mess in the sweltering summer heat. To have your central air conditioner break down on the first truly hot day of summer is a nightmare. While this isn't always the case, it is if you don't perform some basic maintenance tasks before the summer arrives. Oregonians should service their air conditioners in the springtime before the heat of summer sets in.

An outside compressor works with an inside air handler to create a central air conditioning system. Usually, the condenser is placed in an open-air setting. Focus your attention here to keep your air conditioner in good working order. 

During the cold winter months, when your air conditioner was not running, it picked up leaves and other dirt. To prepare your air conditioner for the summer, you must change the filters, clean the condenser, and do a few other small checks.

1. Put In A New Air Filter

Every residential air conditioning system has at least one air filter that requires regular replacement. The filter's role is to catch unwanted airborne pollutants to prevent them from circulating throughout your home. Over time, the air filter will accumulate a large amount of these pollutants, causing it to become clogged.

To determine whether it's time to replace the air filter, remove the current one and hold it up to a light source. If you can see through the filter, it's still functional. 

However, if you cannot see through it, it's time to replace it with a new one. Various air filters include HEPA, pleated, washable, and fiberglass filters.

2. Clean Your Inside Unit

Properly cleaning your air conditioner is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently. The first step is to focus on the inside unit. Before you start, turn off the circuit breaker for your AC system to avoid getting hurt or hurting yourself with electricity.

Remove the access panel on the indoor AC unit, and start by cleaning the evaporator coils. Over time, debris can accumulate on the coils, so it's best to use a foaming cleanser specifically designed for this purpose. As the foaming cleanser works, debris will fall into the drain pan.

Next, cleaning the drain pan and drainpipe, which can become clogged with hard water and debris buildup, is essential. To clean these components, use a solution of bleach and water, thoroughly cleaning them. This will help prevent water backup caused by clogs in the drain or pipe.

3. Clean The Outside Unit

After you finish cleaning the indoor unit and reinstall the access panel, it's time to move outside. Start by removing the AC grille and using a hose to wash away any loose debris on the fins or other components of the compressor unit.

You'll need a specialized cleanser to clean the condenser coil that you can purchase online or at your local hardware store. This cleaner is highly caustic because it needs to work hard to remove the debris that has become stuck on the outdoor components due to the elements.

4. Straighten The Fins

The outdoor compressor unit of your air conditioning system contains delicate metal fins that can easily be bent. Bent fins prevent proper heat dispersal from the AC system, causing it to function less efficiently. Fortunately, you can straighten the fins using a fin comb.

You can purchase fin combs at hardware stores. To determine the appropriate comb size, use a tape measure to count the number of fins within a single square inch. Fin combs are sold based on the number of fins per square inch, so choose a comb that matches the fin density of your unit.

5. Clean Up Around The Outdoor Unit

Once you've finished cleaning the outside unit and replaced the AC grille cover, it's important to inspect the surrounding area. Remove any loose debris, such as leaves and sticks. If bushes or tree branches are within a few feet of the unit, they should be trimmed back.

To ensure air can flow properly, leave at least 2 feet of space around the outdoor unit. This will allow air to circulate freely through the unit, essential for its efficient operation.

6. Program Your Thermostat

Programming your thermostat according to your schedule to optimize energy usage is important. During times when you'll be at home, set the thermostat to 78 degrees. However, when you're away from home, such as at work, set the thermostat to a higher temperature, such as 88 degrees.

This will help ensure that your air conditioning system operates in an energy-efficient manner, which can help reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

At Best Owner Direct HVAC, we take pride in offering our AC services to residents in both Washington County and the neighboring areas. Our reliable solutions also cover heating and air purification requirements. Contact us today to learn about our services!