Spring is just around the corner. And while some parts of the country are still struggling with low temperatures, in others people are already getting ready for spring. One of the most important yet often neglected items on the spring preparation checklist is making sure your air conditioning system is ready for the new season.
It won’t be long before homeowners start relying on their air conditioning units to fight off the insufferable heat. That’s why spring is the perfect time to schedule routine maintenance for your AC system.
The best way to ensure your air conditioning is always ready for the coming season is to have it checked by a professional at least two times a year. If not, your AC might fail you when you need it the most. That’s why checking if your AC is in shape should be in your priorities. In this article, we’ll share a couple of pointers.
Do a Test Run
Like with a car that you haven’t driven in a while, you’ll want to power up the AC first to see if everything is working as it should. To do this, run a complete cycle to see if there are any irregularities. If so, you’ll want to consult an expert air conditioning technician.
When you run the AC system make sure there are no unusual sounds, that the air is cooled and that the cycles are complete.
Check the Insulation
Insulation is important both during winter and summer. During the summer, proper insulation will keep the hot air away from your home and allow your AC system to run at maximum efficiency. You can use spray polyurethane or SPF to seal the cracks in the windows, door frames and walls. You should also check the attic door, as a lot of cool air is lost through this part of the home that you probably rarely use.
Check the Air Quality
Pests like dust mites, pet hair and dirt find your air ducts to be a perfect home. If you didn’t use your air conditioning system for a couple of months, it’s a good idea to clean the ducts and replace the filters. Otherwise, these pests will spread across your home as soon as you power up the AC. Keeping your system clean throughout the year will make this job less tedious.
Replace Failing Parts
Start with replacing the air filters, because they probably need it. Next, focus on any inefficient parts in the system. You could benefit from replacing your old thermostat with a new, programmable one. These thermostats can be set to turn on or off at a certain time, saving you a lot of money on cooling costs. See if there are any other mechanical issues you can identify and replace these parts. If you don’t, the issue could get worse resulting in a complete breakdown and the need to get a replacement AC system.
Practice Preventive Care
Spring is the ideal time to see if your air conditioner is in good shape. Since the weather will not be too hot, you will have enough time to replace faulty parts, insulate your home and get the system ready for summer. Don’t wait for unbearably hot days to find out your AC will be out of commission for weeks until the necessary repairs are done.
