Spring is on the horizon, which makes now the perfect time to get ahead with annual A/C maintenance. In this post, the experts at Kinkaid provide 5 tips to help prepare ac for summer before the warm weather hits.
It’s easy to forget about our A/C units until we need them. That’s why it’s wise to perform routine spring maintenance before you have to rely on your A/C unit for comfort. By doing so, you can avoid the headache and inconvenience of scheduling repairs mid-summer, when prices are higher and HVAC companies are flooded with repair request. In addition to scheduling an annual tune-up and inspection, the following 5 tips will go a long way toward keeping your unit efficient:
1. Change or Clean Filters
This one is simple, but we can’t overstate how important it is to keep filters clean. As a rule of thumb, HVAC filters should be replaced every 2-3 months. If you have pets in the home or live in an area prone to air pollutants like dust or pollen, you’ll likely need to change filters more frequently. Reusable filters should be cleaned just as often.
2. Check Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit should be free of debris with roughly 2ft of space around it. Spring is an excellent time to inspect and clean your outdoor unit and trim back any nearby bushes, trees or shrubbery.
3. Check Duct Work
It’s wise to inspect ductwork for debris, air leaks and insect or rodent infestations prior to running your A/C for the first time in the season.
4. Clean out Your Condensate Drain Line
Your unit’s condensate drain line transports the moisture it removes from indoor air to the outside. Drain lines can become clogged with debris, causing water to flow back into your drain pan. This can overflow and cause water damage. Before running your A/C unit, try flushing the condensate drain line with a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water.
5. Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can indicate a refrigerant leak and lead to problems like frozen evaporator coils and decreased system efficiency. Be sure to check and adjust refrigerant levels and replace any necessary parts before running your unit.
Schedule Annual Maintenance with Kinkaid
The best way to prepare your A/C unit for the spring and summer is to schedule an annual tune-up with a professional HVAC company like Kinkaid. Our qualified technicians will clean your unit top-to-bottom and inspect it for loose or worn parts. We proudly serve Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester Counties. Contact us today to get started!
