Chances are you did not think much about your central air conditioning unit over the cold winter months. You know it is there, and you know you will need it when the weather turns warmer, but for the most part you are concerned about keeping your home comfortably warm and your furnace running at peak efficiency (and with the hot weather last week here in Michigan, we remembered our AC unit real quickly).
Now that the cold days of winter are gone and the warm days of summer are just ahead, it is time to think about your central air system again. That means giving the entire system a thorough inspection and making sure it is ready to withstand the hot days to come.
Change Your Filter Regularly To Avoid Repairs
You can start by checking the condition of the filter and air handler on your central air system. Even if you changed the filter late last season, it is important to check its condition and replace it if necessary. A clean filter will help your central air system run more efficiently, and that is a great way to keep your summer power bills down.
It is also important to check the condition of the outdoor condenser, since it is more exposed to the elements than any other part of the system. Fallen tree branches, brush from nearby bushes and even rodents can damage the unit and cause problems once you switch it on. If you spot any problems it is a good idea to call a professional to have the unit properly evaluated and repaired if necessary.
If Ice Is Present Follow These Steps
If everything looks good, you can continue your examination by opening the front of the air handler cabinet and checking for ice. If ice is present, turn on the power to the AC unit and switch on the fan. Any ice should melt within a few hours. If the ice is still there after that time you should call a professional for service and repair.
Assuming that the air exchanger looks good, you can continue your maintenance by cleaning the condensate drain. Your air conditioning system produces a lot of water as it is cooling your home, and that water has to go somewhere. That somewhere is the condensate drain, and over time algae and other debris can block the pipe that carries the moisture away.
Check Back After You Make Changes
Be sure to check back later to see if the water is draining properly. If you see a pool of water forming, it is a good idea to have the unit checked out and repaired if necessary. You do not want to risk a flood or damage to your home.
Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling Will Keep You Cool All Summer
Keeping your air conditioning unit running properly does not have to be expensive or time consuming. A few simple maintenance steps now can help your AC unit run at peak efficiency and keep your family cool and comfortable all summer long.