5 Areas Of Your A/C That Need Attention This Spring

18 January 2018
 Categories: , Blog

Share

It may still be winter, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare your air conditioning system for the upcoming spring and summer months. Now is the best time to make sure your A/C unit is up to the task of keeping your home cool and comfortable. Here are five areas of your A/C system that could use your attention before it's put into use this spring.

Thermostat

Briefly change the thermostat's current setting to "COOL" and make sure the thermostat is able to turn on the air conditioning. Check the thermostat wiring for signs of physical damage or corrosion. If you're using an outdated thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for improved energy efficiency and finer control of your A/C system.

Refrigerant Lines

Refrigerant lines that are exposed to the outdoors should be wrapped with foam insulation. Replace any damaged or worn-out insulation you find during your inspection. The lines themselves should be damage-free with no signs of corrosion. Don't forget to have your HVAC professional check the A/C unit's refrigerant levels and charge the unit as needed.

Evaporator and Condenser Coil

Check the indoor evaporator coil and the surrounding area for signs of debris buildup and mold growth. Use mild detergent and warm water to gently scrub the evaporator coil and use diluted white vinegar to disinfect the coil. Make sure the coil fins are intact and the coil itself is not damaged.

Remove any debris found around the outdoor condenser cabinet. Check the condenser coil and use your garden hose with a spray attachment to rinse dust and debris from the coil. Make sure to do this in moderate weather to avoid freezing.

Compressor

Visually inspect the A/C unit's compressor for signs of corrosion or physical damage. Make sure there isn't any lubricant leaking from the compressor or any nearby lines leading to the unit. Carefully listen for any signs of refrigerant leakage. If there any issues with your compressor, have your HVAC technician perform an in-depth inspection to pinpoint and correct the issue.

Air Filter

Make sure to change the air filter before you start using your A/C system for the upcoming spring and summer months. Most experts recommend that you change your air filter at least once every three months unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. If you're dealing with indoor air quality issues in your home, you should change your air filter on a monthly basis to help remove harmful pollutants from your indoor environment.

Contact a company that offers air conditioning services for additional information.