Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate temperatures, humidity, and air purity in residential and commercial properties. They’re one of the most significant investments homeowners can make to improve indoor comfort.
The worldwide HVAC systems market is forecasted to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.9%, reaching USD$367.5 billion by 2030. By 2024, the global market volume is expected to amount to 151.1 million units, meaning many people use them in their homes.
As part of an HVAC system, air conditioning (AC) units are vital for cooling indoor spaces, especially during hot days. Ideally, the last thing you’d want during summer is to be stuck in an uncomfortable hot room because of a faulty air conditioner. Therefore, getting your AC unit ready earlier for the hot season is best. For quality HVAC services, including AC repair and replacement, consider working with a reputable and licensed provider like HVAC services Pearland, TX, or similar ones.
That said, here are six tips to consider preparing your AC unit for summer:
- Shut off power
Before working on your AC unit, you should turn off the power supply to the condenser for safety reasons. Also, the condenser normally contains a capacitor that temporarily stores electrical charge. As an added precaution, it’s best to allow at least 30 minutes for the energy to dissipate before getting to work.
- Clean or replace AC filters
Clogged filters can restrict optimal airflow, significantly decreasing the effectiveness of your AC system. Also, they can recirculate dust and other impurities in your home. Therefore, you should clean or replace your air-handler filters if they’re clogged with dust or mold to ensure your AC runs smoothly during the hot days ahead.
Changing an air filter may differ with each system. Therefore, it’s best to talk to a qualified and knowledgeable contractor to get all the dynamics right. To learn more on how HVAC contractors can help you with your AC maintenance, watch this video:
- Clean the AC’s condenser coils
Clean the condenser coils of your AC unit using a soft brush. It’s particularly essential if your condenser unit was uncovered during winter and has accumulated debris, leaves, and other dirt that can clog the coils. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the protective grilles from the condenser unit.
- Take off the top panel carefully not to tug the wires connecting to the fan.
- Use a small brush to clean the condenser coils. Remember not to use a hard brush or a spray setting that may damage the AC system.
Cleaning the condenser coils improves your AC unit’s efficiency, producing cleaner and cool air essential for the summer.
- Check the thermostat
You’d want to ensure your thermostat is well-connected and functioning correctly. A thermostat is an HVAC control system that monitors indoor temperatures and adjusts your cooling system to a comfortable level. Notably, getting a smart thermostat to automate your indoor temperatures during summer is best. It’s programmed to stay off when there’s no one indoors and automatically turn on the air conditioning when you get home. This can help you save electricity and reduce energy bills.
- Inspect for airflow leaks
Check for loose or damaged connectors that may prevent efficient airflow. When ducts start to leak, conditioned air leaks through the cracks before reaching your living spaces. As such, your AC unit may transmit the cool air to unwanted areas such as the basement or attic. One of the signs that your ducts are leaking is hot and cold spots in the house.
Ideally, a fully functioning AC unit ensures a steady air flow throughout the living spaces. So, when some parts of your house are warmer or colder than other spots, there may be potential airflow leaks. In that case, you should contact a technician to fix the leaking duct to ensure good indoor air quality in all areas of your home during the hot season. Additionally, this can help you save on energy bills since your AC unit won’t have to work extra hard to reach the desired temperatures due to leakages.
- Test your AC unit
At this stage, you can turn on your AC unit for at least 15 minutes to test if it’s functioning correctly. If it doesn’t start or efficiently cool the rooms, you should contact an HVAC contractor to diagnose and repair the AC system. You can inform them of the issues you experienced, such as any noises the equipment makes, so they narrow down the inspection and resolve the problem faster.
Notably, it’s recommended to have your AC unit serviced at least once per year by an HVAC technician, preferably just before the start of the summer season. And if the system has many defects, it’s best to replace it to avoid regular and expensive repairs. The average cost for an AC unit, including installation, is USD$5,700.
Conclusion
As the summer approaches, you’d want an optimal AC unit to ensure better air quality in your living spaces. The above are ways to prepare your system for the season. Also, it’s best to work with a professional HVAC contractor to thoroughly inspect, clean, repair, and replace your AC unit and its components in readiness for summer.
