Summer is right around the corner and those temperatures sure are rising. They always say summertime and the livin’ is easy…as long as your air conditioner is working, right? There’s nothing worse than a broken AC in the middle of summer, so now is the perfect time to make sure your system is properly functioning before the real heat kicks in.
To avoid any major problems with your AC this season, it’s best to schedule an annual AC maintenance tune-up to make sure your system is ready for optimal use. Our HVAC experts at Bartlett & Steadman are here to get the job done.
In addition to your annual maintenance check-up, here are a few other steps to take to ensure your AC is working and you’re comfortable all summer.
Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your air conditioner’s condenser coil, which is located on the outside of the unit, accumulates debris over time which can reduce its efficiency. Before your AC kicks into full use, check the outdoor condenser coil and remove any twigs, branches, or other debris that have gathered around it. If you’d like to give your unit an even deeper clean, grab your garden hose and follow these steps:
- Turn off your AC’s power source
- If there are shrubs or plant life blocking your unit, trim them away
- Remove any grass clippings around the unit
- Grab your garden hose and wash down any other dirt or debris that’s remaining
Replace Your Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters are a huge reason why there could be a lack of airflow throughout your home. When an air filter is clogged, it prevents the air from coming through and actually forces your unit to work harder, wasting energy. The more overworked your AC is, the faster it will wear out, reducing its lifespan. Every 30-90 days, clean or replace your air filters to keep your AC running at peak performance.
Pro tip: If you want to see if your air filter needs cleaning or replacement, hold it up to the light. If you see light shining through, that’s your sign to have it cleaned or replaced.
Seal Air Leaks
You most likely did this in the winter, but if you didn’t, there’s no need to worry! It’s never too late to find and seal air leaks in your home. If you suspect you have air leaks, the air from your AC is escaping through the leaks, wasting energy and causing your system to work even harder. To check if you do in fact have an air leak, take a piece of paper and hold it up to where you think the leak is. If the paper moves, that means there is air movement in an area there shouldn’t be and it needs to be sealed.
Pro tip: For leaks smaller than ¼ inch, you’ll only need weatherproof caulk to seal the leak. For leaks larger than that, use an expandable foam spray to seal them.
Check the Refrigerant
Always make sure you are checking your refrigerant levels. If there isn’t enough, your compressor will have to work even harder. Something to keep in mind is that refrigerant is not “used up” during the refrigeration cycle, so if there isn’t enough, this could be a sign of a leak.
Speaking of leaks, you’ll also want to make sure there are no leaks in the refrigerant tubing. If the tubing becomes damaged somehow, the refrigerant won’t flow through the system properly, which will prevent your AC unit from working properly.
Marblehead HVAC Maintenance Services
Don’t wait until the middle of summer to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up. Our skilled technicians at Bartlett & Steadman have experience working with nearly every type of AC equipment and will make sure your system is running properly just in time for the new season. Call us today at (781) 365-5828 to schedule your appointment!