Though the winters in Washington state are long and rather chilly, the summers still show up with their warm temperatures, causing many residents to blast their air conditioning units. However, in order to get the most of your AC, it is important to take some necessary steps to care for it to ensure its optimal performance. In this blog, we will be sharing our top tips and tricks for what we do for our customers in Shoreline to ensure that their ACs are serving them well. Read on to take advantage of the advice given by the pros.
Preparing Your AC for the Summer
Air conditioning maintenance may seem intimidating at first, but in reality, it is far simpler than you think. However, if you are ever in doubt, having a professional Shoreline heating and cooling maintenance tech on hand will never hurt. Below, we will let you know which steps are okay to do on your own and which steps should be left to the pros.
Replace or Clean the Air Filters
The first and most important step to any HVAC maintenance plan is replacing or cleaning air filters. Air filters play an essential role of ensuring that the air absorbed and circulated by the AC is clean. As they clean the air, they become overwhelmed with dust and debris that must be cleared. We recommend checking your AC’s filters at least every four weeks during the summer season. This will allow you to change them before they get too clogged, which will hurt the indoor air quality and the AC’s performance.
Clean the Condenser Coils
The outdoor unit contains a network of condenser coils that tend to accumulate dust, debris, and dirt over time. When this accumulation becomes excessive, the unit won’t be able to release the heat absorbed from the home as effectively.
Follow these steps to clean the condenser coils:
- Turn off the power
- Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the coils
- Remove all the dust and debris, being careful not to bend the finds
- Turn the power back on and allow the AC to run
Of course, the easiest way to ensure that your AC is clean is to have a Shoreline heating and cooling tech service the AC for you.
Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Ensure that there is no obstruction around the outdoor unit. Trim back any vegetation or bushes to maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit. Remove any toys or outdoor equipment that is placed on top of the unit or around it. This allows for proper airflow and prevents the unit from overheating.
Check and Clean the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing the heating inside the home. Just like the condenser coils, the evaporator coils also accumulate dust and debris that must be periodically cleaned. Using a soft brush, remove all the dust and debris from the coils to promote the system’s performance and efficiency.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or another issue with your AC system. If you suspect a problem, it’s best to contact a Shoreline heating and cooling technician to inspect and recharge the refrigerant if necessary. Most states, including Washington, require a licensed professional to handle any issues related to refrigerant fluid as it is toxic and must be handled with extreme care and highly trained skills.
Inspect the Ductwork
If you have a central air conditioning system, then your home is also equipped with ductwork that must be maintained as well. It is very hard to pinpoint leaks unless they are visible. However, because most ductwork is hidden behind walls and ceilings, a professional will need to be on hand to scan the ductwork with their cameras or pressure testing equipment to check for leaks.
Signs of leaky ductwork include:
- Increased energy bills
- Mold or mildew growth
- Discoloration of walls or ceilings
- Stale or musty air
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Soot or dust on furniture or surfaces
- Strange noises coming from the HVAC system
- Decreased indoor air quality
Schedule Professional Maintenance Services Today!
The best thing you can do for your AC is to schedule a maintenance service with a Shoreline heating and cooling technician at CM Heating. Give us a call to ensure that your summer is off on the right foot.
