Articles and Advice

Check Your AC Unit Before Summer

The summer heat is on its way, which makes this the perfect time to make sure your AC unit is ready for the hot weather.

The summer heat is on the way, and you'll want to make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly before it gets here. A little maintenance ahead of time can ensure you're comfortable in the summer heat. Use these tips to check your air conditioner unit.

Before you begin

The first step of any maintenance job is: do it safely. Before checking and cleaning your AC unit, you'll need to make sure the power is off. Set the thermostat high at about 80, and turn the system off at the thermostat. Turn off the power to the AC unit at the breaker box in your house, and also at the disconnect box outside next to the unit.

Once you've done that, the next steps will be replacing the filters, cleaning the unit, and visually inspecting and checking that the unit is operational.

Replace the filters

Your air conditioner uses either your furnace or an air handler to distribute the cooled air through the ductwork of your house. Dirty, dusty, clogged filters block airflow and keep your unit from operating efficiently. Depending on the type of filter, you will either need to clean it or replace it.

Cleaning

The outside part of the AC unit is the compressor and contains the condenser. This is the part you're going to clean. Double check that that power is off. Then leaves and other debris from around and on the unit.

Remove the top grill. The fan is attached to it. Do not try to remove any of the attached wiring. Use a cloth and clean off the dirt on the grill and fan blades by hand or use a wet/dry vacuum to clean it.
Clean the condenser fins. Looking down inside the unit, you'll see lots of fins. If there is a cover, remove it to access the fins. Being careful not to damage the fins, vacuum with the brush attachment to remove dirt from between them. Vacuum from the inside and outside of the unit. Then clean the coils from the inside with a gentle flow of water from the hose. Don't use a pressure washer, it will damage your unit. There are also commercially available cleaners for this purpose if needed.
Clean up excess water inside and let the unit dry thoroughly. Reassemble the unit after it's dry.
Locate the drain. It's usually on the outside part of your air conditioner or near it. Make sure the drain line is intact and clear. Clear if it's clogged.

Visual inspection

The refrigerant in your AC unit runs through pipes or tubes. Check all visible pipes and tubing to make sure they are intact and that nothing is leaking. There is also insulation around these pipes, so make sure that is not worn or missing, and replace if necessary. Lastly, take a look at any visible electrical connections and wiring to check for wear or damage.

Restart the unit

Turn the power back on at the AC unit and at the breaker box. Then turn on the system at the thermostat and set the thermostat to a temperature that is a few degrees lower than the current temperature in the house. The AC should start up and blow cold air.

Be sure to contact a professional if your AC unit requires something more than basic cleaning. Problems like a refrigerant leak, electrical problems, or duct cleaning or repairs are a few examples.

Getting your AC unit in shape before warmer weather gets here is a good idea, and once that warm weather is here, you'll be relaxing comfortably in your home.

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