Prep Your Air Conditioner for a Hot Summer
According to the NOAA, we are heading towards a hotter than average summer in New York. Before temperatures soar, prep your AC unit so you stay cool all summer. Regular maintenance on your AC system can keep it running more efficiently. This keeps your NY energy bill down while still beating the heat. So, let’s go over how to inspect your AC system.
Outdoor AC Maintenance
If you bristle at even the thought of home DIY projects, don’t worry. The outdoor maintenance for your AC system is truly simple. Follow these steps to keep your AC running smoothly!
- Shut off power to the AC from the breaker box.
- Take off the top of the outdoor condenser.
- Clear any large debris, like leaves, from the inside by hand.
- Spray a coil cleaner around the outside of the unit.
- Clean coils with a hose, spraying from the inside of the unit outwards.
- Hose down the outside of the unit to remove any remaining cleaner.
- Replace the cover.
- Finally, clear debris and plant overgrowth from around the outside of the unit.
Following these steps keeps air flowing freely through the AC condenser. That means it will work more efficiently. Depending on how dirty it was, cleaning the condenser could lower your energy use enough to make your NY energy provider suspicious!
Indoor AC Maintenance
Once you’ve finished outdoor maintenance, it’s time to move indoors for a few more tasks.
- Replace the air filter.
- If you can easily access your evaporator coils, you can spray them with a cleaner designed for the purpose.
- Clean your condensate drip line by flushing with a cup of vinegar or bleach followed by two cups of water.
Once again, air flow is a key to efficiency! Additionally, cleaning your condensate line prevents moldy leaks and clogs that can shut down your whole system.
Test Run Your Air Conditioning System
Once you have finished the maintenance tasks, it’s time for a test run. Turn on the AC system breakers and set your thermostat a couple degrees lower than the current temperature inside the house. When the AC is running, it’s time to use your ears. Rattling, hissing, grinding, or gurgling sounds are a red flag. These could indicate bad motors, loose connections, and even bad electronic components. If you hear anything like that you may need to call a professional to address the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
Now your AC is fully prepped for the hot summer to come! For more energy saving maintenance tips, visit us a https://www.nyenergyratings.com.