Q: How can I prepare my AC unit for summer?
A: With the warm weather on the horizon, it’s important to begin considering the health of your HVAC system. You likely haven’t considered the health of your air conditioning unit since the end of last summer, but now it is once again time to consider how well your unit is functioning for a summer of fun ahead.
Tips to prep your HVAC for summer
Save energy and extend the life of your AC unit with simple preperations and regular maintenance.
Here are some top tips from Deljo Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s technicians to best prepare your home’s air conditioning unit for the hot summer months:
1. Change the Filters
Depending on your air filters, you should change them out every 1–6 months. A new filter can lower your energy consumption by 5–15%.
2. Clear the Air Vents
Ensure the registers are not being blocked by an items in your home such as drapes or furniture.
TIP: Air vents need at least 10 inches of clearance to do their best work, but the more clearance the better.
3. Inspect the Outdoor Condenser
Inspect the outdoor condenser and ensure there is nothing within 2 feet around the unit to allow maximum airflow.
TIP: Rinse off leaves and other debris with a garden hose.
4. Clean Up The Condenser Fan
Clean up the condenser fan according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
STATISTIC: You could be wasting 30% of your AC unit’s energy if your air ducts are leaking.
5. Check The Ductwork
Ensure your air ducts are working to their full potential. Seal any leaks with alumninum-foil tape, remove obstructions, and call for assistance if you see any potential signs of mold.
6. Prep For Condensation Removal
Routine cleaning of your condensation drain line is crucial to prevent clogging.
7. Examine The Refrigerant Lines
Contact your maintenance provider if you are unsure how to properly identify and examine any leaks or issues with your refrigerant lines.
8. Comb the Coils
Use a coil fin tool to straighten the bent fins of your condensing unit for your AC unit.
TIP: Bent coil fins restrict air flow through the condensing unit and may cause issues such as decreating the unit’s efficiency and increasing usage of electricity.
9. Run Your AC Unit
Be sure to check your electrical circuits, power to the until, and outdoor wiring before powering up.
Change the Filter
First and foremost, you should change the filter of your air conditioning unit. Although it seems simple, this is one of the most important measures that you can take to reduce the need for AC repair in Ravenswood. Filters should be replaced on a regular basis to help circulate fresh, clean air throughout your home. If you need assistance finding the right filter for your system or if you’re due to order a new one, our team at Deljo Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is happy to help!
Clean the Condensation Lines
There is a pipe in your AC unit that carries condensation away from your unit that can easily get clogged. In the case that there is blockage, your unit itself will become backed up. This can quickly snowball into a serious problem resulting in the need for immediate AC repair in Ravenswood. Of course, if you need help locating this pipe, please call our team.
Clean the Coils & Fins
Throughout Chicago’s winter, your AC unit has been collecting dust and debris. It’s time to unclog that gunk to help your unit run more efficiently for the warmer months ahead. Simply take your garden hose and spray down the outside to clean the coils. For the fins, use a toothbrush and run it across each fin. The metal is thin and can be bent, so don’t apply too much pressure when cleaning.
Remove Surrounding Debris
Your unit needs to be clear of built-up debris in order for it to run at peak performance. Take a quick look at your unit and make sure there are not any surrounding plants, leaves, branches or long grass that have the potential of getting in the way of your unit’s airflow. We also recommend cutting the grass before turning on your unit. Ideally, you will check back on the unit itself at least once per month to make sure that new debris hasn’t accumulated.
Contact Our Team at Deljo Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Our team at Deljo highly recommends regular HVAC maintenance to avoid the need for AC repair in Ravenswood at the most inopportune times. We are happy to look over your system before the weather gets warmer! Please get in touch with us today to see the Deljo Difference firsthand!
