Spring Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System

As your senses start to tingle with the smells and sounds of spring, and that seasonal desire to spring clean your house begins to take hold, don’t forget about the one thing that can make or break your summer: your air conditioning system. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your AC is in proper working order before the heat of summer hits, but in order to keep your AC working at an optimum level, it’s best to call in an expert for a full servicing of your AC unit.

Filters first

The first simple step you can take to get your air conditioning system summer-ready is to change the filter. Almost all AC units have detachable filters which can be changed or cleaned. You will usually find the filters underneath your AC unit or fitted behind the air vents.  You can either wash the filter out and reinstall it, or replace it with a new one. Since filters are what clean the air circulating through your house of small particles and debris, replacing the filters can greatly improve the air quality in your home, and is relatively easy to do by yourself. Another benefit of replacing your filter is that it could reduce your energy consumption by up to 10%.

Keeping outdoor units clear and clean

Another way in which you can be responsible for your own AC maintenance is by regularly checking the outdoor unit for debris and leaves. Cut away any overgrown bushes which are causing debris to gather on your outdoor unit, clear away any twigs and branches that have fallen onto the unit, and be careful when mowing the lawn around the unit. If you keep the unit clear of debris, air inflow will remain unobstructed, ensuring your air conditioning system is working efficiently and effectively.

Servicing your AC for improved performance

While changing your filters and checking your outside unit are good preliminary steps for getting your AC unit ready for summer, the most important maintenance procedures need to be performed by a professional technician who knows how to handle the parts of your air conditioning system correctly. To get your AC working at its best, an AC technician will check the following:

• That the relay switches are in working order and that your AC turns on and off as it is meant to. AC units which are frequently being turned on and off are susceptible to having their relay switches worn.
• That your AC unit has the correct amount of refrigerant in it, that there is no refrigerant leaking (it is very important that this is checked, as refrigerant is toxic to the environment), and that the refrigerant is being correctly collected and disposed of.
• That the evaporator coils are free of dirt and are functioning properly. The evaporator coils, which absorb heat, are the lifeblood of an air conditioning system, and must be properly maintained to ensure the long-term reliability of your AC unit.
• That the thermostat is working properly, that its readings are accurate, and that the batteries do not need to be changed. The electrical connections around the thermostat should also be checked.

Top class AC unit maintenance makes for top class AC unit performance

While it’s important to be responsible for your AC unit’s upkeep, the best thing you can do to ensure its proper functioning for this summer – and many more – is to call in an expert technician who will be able to diagnose any serious problems with your unit and give it the all-clear for the months ahead.