Things To Know Before Turning Your AC Back on For Summer | Comfort Systems Wichita, KS
Things To Know Before Turning Your AC Back on For Summer
Spring is here! While the warmer weather of spring is almost a universally welcomed sight, it also means that you’ll need to boot up the AC. But before you do so, it’s important to have your unit inspected and serviced by the pros at Comfort Systems. Contact us today to schedule your pre-summer inspection and maintenance. In the meantime, we’ve outlined a few things you should know and/or do before turning your AC on for the summer.
Make Sure Your Filters Are Clean
One of the easiest and most cost-efficient steps you can take before turning your AC back on for summer is to change your filters. In fact, it’s important to do this every few months based on the manufacturer’s suggested schedule. However, you should pay special attention to changing it before you turn it on for the summer. Why? Because pollen and other particles from the spring can and will cause extra stress on the system and possibly clog up the filter.
Locate All Filters
When you’re changing the filters, make sure you’re aware of the location of all vents. You may have multiple filters of varying sizes. In either case, you shouldn’t take the filters out until you have the replacement ready.
What to Do With Reusable Filters?
If you have reusable filters, you will not need to replace them. Instead, you will need to wash the filters and return them to the proper spots.
Keep Around the Condenser Clean
Once the frost of winter subsides, the new growth of spring will quickly commence. Weeds will sprout, shrubs will stretch their arms, and grass will grow. While we all welcome this sight, your air conditioner does not. Debris, grass, and leaves can spell trouble for your air conditioner. And before summer gets here, you can help protect your investment with a little yard maintenance.
Simply remove any grass or plants that may appear to encroach your air conditioner. You can also clear away any extra debris. Failure to do so can lead to problems. Over time, this foliage and debris can block the airflow and prevent your air conditioner from properly functioning.
Visually Inspect Your Outside Unit
For the most part, it’s best to leave this step to the pros at Comfort Systems in Wichita, KS. However, you can visually inspect your air conditioner. Make sure to check for any loose or frayed wires. While you shouldn’t attempt to repair anything unless you’re a qualified technician, you can give your AC a quick once over. At Comfort Systems, our process is more intensive and involves carefully cleaning and inspecting the outside air conditioning unit. Depending on your unit, it may involve the removal of panels or grills from the unit. Once all parts have been removed, we can utilize a refrigerator coil brush to clean and then vacuum all dirt out without banging the coils or fins.
Make Sure to Clear the Drains
While the design of your air conditioner can vary, most units will have a drain. If your AC does have a drain, it allows droplets of water generated during the cooling process to safely drain away from your AC. If this drain is clogged, your system could begin to leak.
Is Your Thermostat Outdated?
If your thermostat is damaged or outdated, it should be replaced with a new model. A compromised, damaged, or broken thermostat can lead to serious complications with your HVAC unit and your home’s wiring. If the thermostat isn’t damaged, you may be able to save significant money on your heating and cooling costs by upgrading to an energy-efficient programmable thermostat.
Know When Your Unit Has Reached Retirement
No matter the make or model, every air conditioner has a useful lifespan. Even if you perform regular maintenance on your air conditioning unit and service it according to the manufacturer’s suggested schedule, it will eventually wear out. But this could actually work to your advantage. Based on data from Energy.gov, replacing an air conditioner that is only 10 years old with a newer, more energy-efficient model could result in up to 40% savings in your cooling costs. Fortunately, this time of the year is the perfect time to schedule an inspection to learn whether you would benefit from an upgrade.
Contact Comfort Systems Wichita, KS
The last thing you want is to come home on a hot summer day to an AC unit that won’t cool. However, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of this unfavorable scenario by scheduling regular maintenance with the team at Comfort Systems of Wichita, KS. As leading HVAC experts, we offer a range of solutions designed to protect your system, extend its life, and bolster its energy efficiency. And one of the most important times to schedule maintenance is before turning it on for summer. Contact Comfort Systems Wichita today for expert maintenance and service.