3 Simple Ways to Prepare Your AC for Summer

It is not abnormal to turn on your air conditioner for the first time in months and leave it at that for the rest of the year. Afterall, the unit is creating cold air and reaching your desired temperature.

Like most appliances, little to no maintenance will result in a unit that requires more repairs, consumes more power, and lives a much shorter life, all of which will come at a cost. Here are 3 simple things you can do yourself to prepare your air conditioner for summer, all of which will extend the life of the unit and save you money.

1. Replace your filter

If you only do one thing to prepare your air conditioner for summer, it should be this one. Replacing your filter keeps your unit clean, allows plenty of airflow and ensures the unit isn’t working too hard to reach your desired temperature. Not replacing your filter often enough can also cause problems like an AC freeze-up, water leaking from the unit and even warm air coming through the vents. Make sure you change your filter as often as the manufacturer recommends for your make and model.

2. Clean the condenser and coils

Keeping the condenser and coils clean will ensure proper airflow and prevent a freeze-up. Make sure the condenser is clear of all debris. Clean the coils and fan with a vacuum and soft cloth to get rid of any dust or pollen buildup.

3. Check the coolant lines

Coolant or refrigerant lines are the pipes that run from the condenser outside to the evaporator inside. Always inspect the coolant lines to make sure the insulation is intact.

Bonus: Get a tune-up

If you are uncomfortable with any of these tasks or you’d like some guidance, always call an HVAC contractor. They will take care of these tasks along with a set of others that will ensure your unit and all its parts are in great condition. Have your HVAC contractor show you how to do some of the simple tasks so you can feel confident next time.

If you ever notice your air conditioner is not working well, we recommend calling an HVAC contractor to take a look as soon as possible. The last thing you want is a high electric bill or an unknown issue that could be causing more damage.

If you are in need of an air conditioner tune-up, inspection, repair, or replacement in the Denver Metro Area, give CT Heating & Air a call or contact us online today!