5 Easy Spring AC Tips
Spring is here, and it’s time to get your central air conditioning system ready for the hot days of summer. By giving your AC a spring tune-up, you can save on energy and electricity. Getting it done now is less expensive (and less frustrating) than emergency repairs in the middle of summer.
What Should You Do to Maintain Your AC?
You can do some spring air conditioner maintenance tips on your own, but it’s always a good idea to call an A1 Air Conditioning and Heating professional to tune-up your AC.
Trim back any overgrowth to make sure the AC can dissipate heat, and pull any debris out of the fins of the condenser so air can flow freely into the unit. If any fins are bent, you can use a fin comb or a blunt kitchen knife to straighten them. Also, make sure rodents haven’t built a nest inside the unit.
Make sure the insulation on the refrigerant line hasn’t deteriorated from sun exposure and is in good shape. If your insulation is damaged, the air won’t be able to cool down as much, making your air conditioner less efficient.
Check that the concrete pad underneath the condenser is flat. If the unit isn’t level, it can cause vibrations in the refrigerant line, creating holes and leaks.
What does the furnace filter have to do with your AC? Air will blow through the filter when the air conditioner is on, so you’ll want to make sure that no dust or debris is finding its way into your cooling system.
To check if your thermostat is working properly, set the temperature cooler than you normally would and see if the air conditioner turns on. If it doesn’t, check to see if another problem is causing the failure, like not having the thermostat is set to “cool”. If it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call A1.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Once you’ve taken care of all you can on your own, it’s time to contact an HVAC professional.
A professional should oil the fan motor’s lubrication ports on the condenser unit and fix or replace any damaged fins. Same goes for the evaporator unit inside your home.
If there is any water inside your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of a leak or ice and/or algae buildup. Any leaks, big or small, need a professional to find and fix.
An HVAC expert should clean your heater fan and its housing unit, add new refrigerant and take care of any pipes that maintaining. If your thermostat is not working, a professional will test it and make sure the wires are connected properly. They can also explain how to set your thermostat and use it effectively.
Contact A1 Air Conditioning & Heating to book your Spring AC Tune-Up, which includes our comprehensive 24 point checklist. We have a real, live person ready to answer your calls. Phone (905) 844-2949, or email contactus@a1air.ca
