The warm weather and time spent with family make this season special. You know the season is changing – the days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and maybe you’re thinking about grilling outside. However, the hottest summer days can also be the most uncomfortable.
An AC unit in top condition is critical to beating the heat. With a bit of preparation before the summer, your residential HVAC in Tacoma can make it through the season with no sweat!
Here’s a list of things you need to do:
Clean Your AC Unit
The best way to ensure that your AC will be ready when you need it is to take the time to clean your unit. This will help keep it from getting clogged with dust and dirt that can cause problems later on.
It’s also a good idea to check the outside condenser unit and ensure there aren’t any leaks or damaged parts that could cause problems later on. If you have pets or children, this may require some special attention and extra care.
Cleaning the coils, fins, and blades of your AC unit should be done at least twice a year. Sometimes, more frequent cleaning may be needed if pets in your home shed hair often. Also, if you live in an area with frequent dust storms or smoke from wildfires, mop up your AC when spring comes and again at the beginning of fall.
Clean Away Debris & Dust
It may seem like an obvious step. But many people are unaware of how dirty their air conditioners are until they take them outside and decide to dust them. To clean the inside, unscrew the bolts on the bottom or sides of the unit and remove the panel.
You can also use a garden hose with high-pressure water to clean off dirt and mud from around the outside of your unit. Finally, make sure that when you put everything back together, all screws are tight, so nothing falls off during operation!
Clean Or Replace Your Air Conditioner Filters
Air conditioner units require regular maintenance, including cleaning and replacing filters regularly. Over time, filters can get clogged with debris and dirt. It can restrict airflow through the system, which reduces performance and makes it hard for your unit to cool down your home.
A disposable filter is most common, but there are also reusable filters that only require a cleaning. Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filters at least once every three months will help keep dust and dirt from building up inside the system. It should be done more often if you have allergies or live with pets. This is especially important if you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma because it will help keep those symptoms from becoming an issue during warm weather when outdoor allergens like pollen can be more prevalent.
Check Ducts for Cracks or Leaks
Check all ducts for leaks by opening up one end of each duct and looking inside with a flashlight or small mirror. Any leaks will show up as either wet insulation or discolored insulation from liquid leaking through the ductwork. If you find any leaks, call for AC repair in Puyallup, WA. Our technicians at Rainier Heating & Cooling will patch them up before using your air conditioner again this summer.
In addition, make sure to inspect all hose connections at both ends of each hose. If you see any cracks or holes in the hose, it will need to be replaced before using your AC unit again.
Test or Upgrade the Thermostat
A lot of homeowners don’t realize when their thermostat isn’t set correctly. Because of this, they’re paying more than they should on their energy bill each month. Set the temperature higher than you think is necessary and check back later to see if it’s still too hot inside. If so, adjust accordingly until the temperature is just right.
Also, if you’re using an older thermostat, it may be time to upgrade to something more modern like a smart thermostat. Contact our experts for tips on how to program your thermostat efficiently so it works better with your schedule and energy usage needs.
Clean the Condensate Drain Tube
The tube drains excess water from your HVAC system into a container outside of your home. However, if there’s dirt buildup in this tube due to improper maintenance, water won’t be able to drain correctly.
It could cause damage to other parts of your system as well as flooding within your home or apartment building during heavy rainstorms or strong winds. So, if you notice any warning signs, or water leaks around your air conditioner, don’t take any risks; call our licensed residential HVAC repair technicians to get your AC inspected.
Tune Up Your AC Unit
If you haven’t had your AC tuned up in a year or two, now is an excellent time to schedule air conditioner service in Puyallup today. An AC tune-up will prepare the system for the upcoming warm weather months and can also help save you money on air conditioning costs this summer.
The technicians at Rainier Heating & Cooling will inspect your air conditioner, check its electrical connections, and ensure there are no leaks. They will also clean the outdoor unit of any debris or buildup that could affect its performance.
If you don’t prepare our air conditioner unit for the summer season, it will be working overtime to keep your home cool. Call (253) 600-2758 and schedule professional residential air conditioning service in Puyallup, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.