How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Summer

Learn Tips On How You Can Prepare Your AC System For The Summer

How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner For The Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to prepare your air conditioner for the heat. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your AC is running smoothly and efficiently all summer long. Learn how to prepare your air conditioner for the summer months.

1. Change Your Air Filter

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your air conditioner for the summer is to change your air filter. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your AC work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and even premature wear and tear.

Here are the steps on how to change your air filter:

1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Locate the air filter. It is usually located in a cabinet or behind a grill on an inside wall.
3. Remove the old filter.
4. Check the size and type of filter required. The size and type of filter is usually printed on the old filter.
5. Install the new filter. Make sure that the arrow on the filter is pointing in the direction of airflow.
6. Turn on your air conditioner.

Here are some additional tips:

• Change your air filter every 1-2 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
• If your air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and even premature wear and tear.
• If you have a high-efficiency air conditioner, you may need to change your filter more often.
• If you are not sure what type of filter to buy, you can ask a qualified HVAC technician for help.

2. Clean The Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the outside of your air conditioner. They help to remove heat from the refrigerant, which is what cools your home. Over time, the condenser coils can become dirty and clogged with debris, which can reduce their efficiency.

To clean the condenser coils, you will need a garden hose and a mild detergent. Turn off the power to your air conditioner and disconnect the power cord. Then, use the hose to spray the coils with water. Be sure to use a mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can damage the coils.

Here are the steps on how to clean the condenser coils of your residential AC:

1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Locate the condenser coils. They are usually located on the back or side of your air conditioner unit.
3. Use a garden hose to rinse the coils with water.
4. Use a mild detergent solution to clean the coils.
5. Use a soft brush to scrub the coils.
6. Rinse the coils again with water.
7. Let the coils dry completely.
8. Turn on your air conditioner.

Here are some additional tips:

• You should clean your condenser coils every 1-2 months, or more often if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen.
• If your condenser coils are dirty, it can restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and even premature wear and tear.
• If you are not comfortable cleaning the condenser coils yourself, you can hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when cleaning your condenser coils:

• Make sure that your air conditioner is turned off before you start cleaning.
• Be careful not to get water inside the air conditioner unit.
• If you are using a detergent solution, make sure that it is mild and non-corrosive.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from chemicals and debris.
• Be careful not to touch the fan blades. They can be sharp and can cause injury.

3. Check The Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant is a chemical that helps to cool your home. If the refrigerant level is low, your AC will not be able to cool your home as effectively.

To check the refrigerant level, you will need a refrigerant gauge. You can purchase a refrigerant gauge at most hardware stores. Once you have the gauge, follow the instructions that come with it to check the refrigerant level.

Here are the steps on how to check the refrigerant level of your residential AC:

1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Locate the refrigerant service ports. They are usually located on the back or side of your air conditioner unit.
3. Attach a manifold gauge set to the service ports.
4. Read the pressure readings on the gauges.
5. Compare the pressure readings to the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the pressure readings are low, you will need to add refrigerant. You can do this yourself if you have the proper tools and training, or you can hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are some additional tips:

• You should check the refrigerant level of your air conditioner every year, or more often if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
• If the refrigerant level is low, it can cause your air conditioner to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and even premature wear and tear.
• If you are not comfortable checking the refrigerant level yourself, you can hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when checking the refrigerant level of your air conditioner:

• Make sure that your air conditioner is turned off before you start checking the refrigerant level.
• Be careful not to touch the refrigerant lines. They can be under pressure and can cause injury.
• If you are using a manifold gauge set, make sure that you use the correct type of refrigerant for your air conditioner.
• If you are not sure what type of refrigerant to use, you can ask a qualified HVAC technician for help.

4. Inspect The Electrical Connections

The electrical connections to your air conditioner should be clean and tight. Loose or corroded connections can cause problems with the operation of your AC.

To inspect the electrical connections, you will need a voltage tester. You can purchase a voltage tester at most hardware stores. Once you have the voltage tester, follow the instructions that come with it to inspect the electrical connections.

Here are the steps on how to inspect the electrical connections of your residential AC:

1. Turn off your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Locate the electrical connections. They are usually located on the back or side of your air conditioner unit.
3. Inspect the connections for any damage. Look for loose wires, corroded connections, or burnt insulation.
4. If you see any damage, you will need to repair or replace the connection. You can do this yourself if you have the proper tools and training, or you can hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are some additional tips:

• You should inspect the electrical connections of your air conditioner every year.
• If the electrical connections are damaged, it can cause a fire or electric shock.
• If you are not comfortable inspecting the electrical connections yourself, you can hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when inspecting the electrical connections of your air conditioner:

• Make sure that your air conditioner is turned off at the breaker box before you start inspecting the connections.
• Be careful not to touch any live wires.
• If you see any damage, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Hire a qualified HVAC technician to do it for you.

5. Have Your AC Serviced By A Professional

Here are some of the reasons why you should have your AC serviced by a professional:

• Professionals have the training and experience to diagnose and repair AC problems. They can also identify potential problems before they cause major damage.
• Professionals have access to the tools and equipment needed to properly service your AC unit. They can also use the latest diagnostic tools to find and fix problems quickly and efficiently.
• Professionals can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your AC is in good hands. They can also offer advice on how to keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

If you are experiencing any problems with your AC, it is important to have it serviced by a professional as soon as possible. This will help to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones, and it will also save you money in the long run.

Conclusion

If you are not comfortable performing any of the above tasks, you can have your AC serviced by a professional. A professional can clean and inspect your AC and make sure that it is in good working order.

By following these simple steps, you can prepare your air conditioner for the summer and keep your home cool and comfortable all season long.

Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating Service

Cool Air Technologies AC Cooling & Heating Experts offer Air Conditioning & Heating services to all residents throughout the Orange County, Ca area. We are an authorized Tempstar Heating & Cooling Products dealer offering Reliable services for Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana,  Tustin, Yorba Linda, call us at 714.731.9292 or book and appointment now.

*No Service Call Fee With Repair! An $85.00 Value

Angie’s Consecutive Service Awards 2006-2022
Gold Service Provider
Personally backed by Angie’s List
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Angi Super Service Award Winner Awarded 16 consecutive Years in a row!  Angi Reviews

Google Reviews

Cool Air Tech AC Repair Tustin

Cool Air Tech AC Repair Irvine

Cool Air Tech AC Repair Avenue

Cool Air Tech AC Repair Mission Viejo