6 Steps on How To Get Your AC Ready for Summer

While heating and air conditioning units don’t require handling every day, they need essential maintenance throughout the year to keep them functioning correctly. Unfortunately, most homeowners forget the importance of basic care until something drastic occurs, requiring the assistance of a professional.

Don’t wait for signs of system failure before conducting essential air conditioning maintenance or learning how to get your AC ready for summer. Contact Gladiator Services, Mahwah’s top-rated air conditioning repair service, for more basic maintenance information or to schedule an appointment today.

The Importance of Basic Maintenance

After setting the thermostat, homeowners expect their air conditioners to run like a well-oiled machine, with very little input. For the most part, air conditioners run automatically and consistently day in and day out; however, they can only do so with proper maintenance.

Follow all safety procedures before performing maintenance, particularly on the air conditioning unit and the condenser. Shut off all power to the equipment before beginning work, and make sure that you only use safe and proper tools. If issues arise, seek the help of a professional immediately.

Essential Steps to Basic Maintenance

Here, we review six basic maintenance steps on how to get your AC ready for summer. The transition from spring to summer represents the perfect time to conduct system maintenance as we will soon find ourselves running our air conditioning units full time.

1.  Change Air Filters

Filters require replacement at least twice a year before each significant seasonal change. When buying new filters, read the packaging, which identifies recommended frequency. Some filters require more frequent replacement based on the brand and materials used.

2.  Clean and Clear the Condensation Drain

An air conditioner unit creates humidity and condensation as it runs. The condensation drains from the system, through the home, and out to the home’s exterior. It is essential to keep condensation drains clean and clear each season to prevent drainage backup.

To clean and clear the condensation drain, locate the base of the air handling unit within the home. There should be a drip pan at the unit’s base that collects excess water. Excess water in the drip pan indicates that the drain needs cleaning.

Clean any excess water or debris from the drip pan, then locate the exit point of the condensation drain outside of the home. Examine the exit point of the condensation drain. Clean the exit point and use a vacuum or shop vac to suction any debris clogging the drain.

Return to the entry point of the condensation drain once you have removed any blockages. Clean and flush the drain using hot water or vinegar.

3.  Clean and Clear the Condenser Unit

Once you clean the condensation drain, it is time to turn your attention to the outdoor condenser unit. Air conditioning units covered with a protective tarp during the winter will require less clean-up in the spring than those that were not.

Clean the coils of the exterior unit by removing any physical dirt and debris. Once done, clean the condenser coils and fan using a garden hose. Do not use high-pressure water, which could damage the coils and the fan.

4.  Clean the Air Ducts

Air ducts are large and lengthy. Most experienced technicians recommend homeowners contact air conditioning professionals to clean air ducts to prevent damage or breaking.

You can take some duct cleaning measures if you choose not to call a professional. Begin by removing the duct vents and using a vacuum to clean out the duct. Be aware that ducts in the ceiling are more fragile than those located below the home and are more susceptible to breakage or tearing.

5.  Replace Batteries

Thermostat batteries require replacement as frequently as the filters to ensure the thermostat works correctly. Failing batteries will prevent the thermostat from adjusting to the minimum and maximum control settings.

6.  Conduct an Inspection

Once you replace batteries and filters and clean the unit inside and out, restore power to the unit and inspect it while running. Conducting a visual and audible inspection plays an integral part of how to get your AC ready for summer.

Begin your inspection by checking for airflow coming from the vents. You need to determine if the air conditioner passes cold air and does so sufficiently. Inadequate airflow, even if cold, will make your air conditioner have to work twice as hard to cool your home.

Note the indoor air quality. If the indoor air smells bad, does not flow adequately, or runs warm, it may be time to consider calling a professional.

Basic humming of mechanical and electrical components is typical as your unit functions. However, high-pitched squealing, rattling, and banging noises are not. If this occurs, contact a professional as soon as possible. 

Results of Basic Maintenance

The fact that your air conditioning unit turns on and you feel airflow isn’t enough to say your system functions properly. Your air conditioner may run initially. However, if you find any of the above conditions and do not deal with them properly, your air conditioning system could fail when you least expect it.

Understanding how to get your AC ready for summer is not only crucial for cleaning and making sure it stays healthy enough to run all summer. Essential maintenance identifies potential issues before they become problematic and costly. It is just as important to take proper action to resolve the problems and conduct regular maintenance.

Gladiator Services

If you discover issues while conducting air conditioning maintenance or experience problems with your air conditioning not running correctly, contact Gladiator Services today. We can help you understand how to get your AC ready for summer.

Gladiator Services is a locally owned, licensed, and certified HVAC service provider able to handle all your air conditioning needs. We use the latest technology and best equipment on the market today. We stand behind our work by providing service and product warranties to ensure you get the best quality care.

Contact us today at 201-571-1715 for a free consultation or learn more about our services, including our HVAC installation process.