5 Steps for Tuning Up Your AC Unit Before Summer

When the summer is about to hit, it’s a good idea to make sure that your central air conditioner’s in good working order. The good news is that there are things that you can do yourself to help your air conditioner to work well.

Before you start any of the steps below, turn the air conditioner’s power off by using your fuse box’s breaker or its emergency switch.

1. Get a new filter

This is something that should be done each month anyway, but it’s a good idea when you are getting ready for summer.

2. Check your drain pipe

This is the pipe which is draining the condensed water from the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. If this drain is clogged, it can cause the water to go onto your furnace room’s floor. The manual that came with the system is going to tell you how you can do this.

3. Check ductwork seals

If the ductworks are going above drop ceilings or through your attic, ensure that they’re still airtight. If the ducts are leaking, it can mean that you’re losing 20% of that air you are paying for cooling your house. If they are leaking, use metal tape or mastic sealant. Seal those connections where the registers and vents are meeting your walls, floors, and ceiling.

4. Clean Your Outdoor Condenser

Vacuum your condenser’s exterior grill gently, and be careful that you’re not bending its fins. Remove its fan cover, then vacuum the unit’s inside so that you’re ridding it of animals or plants that got in throughout the winter. Replace its fan cover and cut back any plants in two feet of your unit.

5. Put in a thermostat you can program

This is one of the best ways that you can save money. If you have an old thermostat with a lever or dial, it may have mercury in it, so recycle it safely.

Conclusion

Once you have done all of these steps, you can turn the power on again, but don’t turn your AC on immediately. Wait 15 minutes so that it can reset. If you had the AC power off for over four hours, it’s best to wait 24 hours before you turn your system on again.

Bonus tip: Check refrigerant levels (professional only)

Another item that you want to do, although it’s good to hire a HVAC professional for doing, is to check your system’s refrigerant levels. If you don’t have a enough or you have too much in the system, it can reduce the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. Once you have done all of these steps, you will find that your air conditioner is running a lot better and that you are comfortable during the summertime.

Need Help? Talk to An Expert!

Our goal is to help educate our HVAC customers in the Port Charlotte and Charlotte County, Florida area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC, Heating and Air Conditioning systems).

If you are contemplating having your air conditioning repaired, Contact Dales Heating and Air Conditioning by calling (941) 629-1712 or by filling out our secure Contact Form.

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Client Testimonials

I am…very Happy with my electric bill!
“I am very pleased at the work Luke and Dustin did installing my air conditioning at my home. I am also very Happy with my electric bill!! Before the install my bill was $156.00, the bill i just received in the mail is $92 Bucks! I am so Happy” – Robert S.