It is finally the perfect time to start deep cleaning parts of the house you have been neglecting. Cleaning and preparing your central air conditioner annually ensures clean and efficient air for the whole year! Here are some ways to prepare your central air for the summer.
How To Get Your Central Air Ready For Summer
1. Clean Or Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters are an easy way to prepare your central air system for summer. In most systems, there is a replaceable or reusable filter in the furnace or air handler cabinet (usually in the air inlet area). Some systems also employ air filters in the return-air registers inside the house.
Try to clean or replace these air filters at least twice a year or whenever they look clogged with dust. If you neglect to replace your air filters, you will recirculate dust into your home, and airflow will be restricted. Not only will the air in your home lack quality, but when airflow is restricted, it can cause some lasting damage to the unit itself.
2. Clean The Condenser Coils
Another way to ensure you get your central air conditioner ready for summer is to clean the condenser coils. To clean the coils, you’ll need to remove the side and top panels or protective grilles from the condenser unit. Ensure the unit’s power is turned off before you open up the condenser.
Then unscrew the side panels, pull them away from the unit, and lift off the top, which may be heavy due to the weight of the attached fan. Don’t tug any of the wires connected to the fan.
Use a refrigerator coil brush on a vacuum to clean the coils from outside the unit. You can straighten the fins with a fin comb if you bend them. After cleaning from the outside, vacuum the coils from the inside.
Use a commercial AC coil cleaner to remove debris from the inside but be careful not to spray the fans or electrical components.
3. Clean And Clear Debris From Condenser
Now that the inside of your unit is cleaned out, it is time to clean the outside! There are several things to consider when cleaning out a condenser. Scoop any leaves and debris out of the base of the condenser and make sure the drain is clear. Use the vacuum and a rag to clean the blower’s fan blades.
If you need a shop vacuum or a brand-new rag, Johnson’s Ace Hardware has many options for you to choose from.
You can also tighten any loose mounting bolts and, if the fan motor has oil ports, put a few drops of lightweight oil or spray WD-40 into the ports for lubrication. Mop up any excess water inside the unit, then reassemble the condenser.
Don’t forget to remove any weeds or vines that may cut airflow through the condenser unit.
4. Make Sure Coolant Lines Are Insulated
Another great way to get your central air conditioner ready for summer is to check the coolant lines. Coolant lines are the refrigerant tubes or pipes that run from the evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside. These lines are normally covered with foam coolant line insulation to prevent energy loss.
It would be best to replace any areas where insulation is missing or frayed. To do this, install foam insulation sleeves or wrap the lines in a spiral fashion with insulation tape.
If you suspect that something is wrong with your coolant lines, contact the professionals at Johnson’s Heating right away! Coolant is an essential part of the operation of a central air conditioning unit and could be tricky to navigate.
5. Test The AC Unit
To ensure your central air is ready for summer, test your air conditioning unit. Make sure to let the unit dry before testing it out.
Once it has dried, turn the power to the condenser back on by turning the thermostat in your home “off.” Then turn on the power at the main panel and the disconnect box. Last, switch the thermostat to “cool.” It is important to test the technology in your home to make sure you have a cool summer.
6. Schedule Maintenance Call With Johnson’s Heating
It can be difficult to clean and maintain your air conditioning units. It can be even harder to find the correct dimensions for an air filter, insulation sleeves, and more. A Johnson’s HVAC professional can make sure that there is no guessing!
Johnson’s HVAC can get your central air ready for summer in no time! Contact an employee today to clean and improve your central air.
End Note:
Your central air for the summer will not go unnoticed after making these steps an annual task! Although there are times when you need a new air conditioning unit, these are some ways that you can keep your central air long-lasting.
If you are ever in need of supplies or advice, click the link below to find a Johnson’s Ace Hardware location near you.
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