Summertime is nearly upon us (or maybe it is, judging by how hot it is as the time of this post) and that means that it’s time to start up your air conditioning system for the season. Before you do, however, here’s a quick checklist of commonly overlooked items that can save you some hassle down the road.
Each spring, before starting up your air conditioning system for the season you should:
1: Ensure correct settings. It’s an easy mistake to make! Be sure your thermostat is set to “cool”, and the temperature setting reflects your preferred temp range. Making sure saves you the frustration of an unneeded, and possibly embarrassing repair call.
2: Check your air filter. That simple, unassuming component does a lot more than you think. Replacing it now ensures healthy air flow and improves the efficiency of your air conditioner.
3: Clear the area around your outdoor unit and spray the foils of the unit clean. Make sure there’s no dust, debris, or mess caked on the fins of your unit. Clearing and cleaning it improves efficiency and performance, helping to preserve healthy air flow and thermal exchange. Use a stiff broom or brush to knock off the big stuff, and a water hose for the rest.
4: Open all of your vents. Your AC unit was installed and sized to accommodate a very specific air pressure range. If the vents are closed, it restricts this and drops performance, as well as opening up the possibility of overheating. Open up the vents, and be sure to not block them with furniture!
5: Perform a test run. Once all of the cleaning and maintenance is out of the way, perform a quick test run. Let the unit run for a good thirty minutes to an hour, and check that air flow looks good. Also listen for odd sounds like clanks and rapid clicking. This is a good way to catch a problem early!
And, of course, regular maintenance is the most important thing that you can do to prolong the life of your air conditioning system and increase its efficiency. At City Heat and Air, we offer an annual service plan that is unrivaled in East Tennessee. If you’d like to learn more, click HERE or call 865-938-1005 today!