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June is just around the corner and that means that the 90+ degree weather will be here to stay in the Houston area. But is your air conditioner ready for the long haul of summer?
Preventative maintenance of your air conditioner is the best way to ensure that your unit doesn’t break down. If you’re comfortable with a little home repair, there are some steps you can even take yourself to keep your A/C running well.
Here are three easy steps you can take to help keep your air conditioner running all summer long:
1).Replace Your Air Filter. Skill Level: Easy
If you don’t replace your air filter already, you should be. It’s critical to have a clean filter so that your air conditioner runs efficiently. If your air filter is dirty, it blocks the flow of air to your system, making it work harder to bring in air.
The air filter will be located either the return-air register or inside the A/C’s air handler cabinet. Newer HVAC systems will likely have a filter in both locations, and you should change both of them.
Remove the old filter and look at the dimensions on the filter. You’ll need those dimensions to purchase a new one. Then, just pop out the old one and put in the new one. You should change the air filter at least twice a season, but during the cooling season you should check to see if you need a new one every month, especially if you live in a dusty area or have pets.
Always put in a new filter before firing up the A/C for the first time of the season.
2). Clean the Condenser. Skill Level: Moderate
You should clean your A/C’s condenser unit every year before you turn it on. If you can’t do it, you need to hire an HVAC contractor to do it for you.
To clean the condenser yourself, you’ll need to power off the unit and remove the side panels from the condenser (you’ll likely need a screw driver for this job). You can use the soft brush on a vacuum to clean the coils and fan blades of debris and dirt. You’ll need to clean both the outside and inside of the coils, as well as clean the drain and remove any debris that’s collected at the base of the condenser unit.
3). Check Coolant Lines. Skill Level: Moderate
Make sure the refrigerant tubes that leave the A/C are covered with foam insulation. If the foam is missing or frayed, you’ll need to replace it with new insulation and secure it with a specially-designed tape that’s available at most home improvement stores.
If cleaning out the A/C just isn’t for you, don’t worry.
We at Richmond’s Air can provide preseason maintenance for your air conditioner with the skill and thoroughness you can expect only from experienced professionals.
Our metro-Houston company provides Katy, Bellaire, Spring and surrounding communities with quick and affordable service anytime day or night.
Contact us today to schedule preventative maintenance for your air conditioner, or keep the previous 3 items in mind to keep your unit running through the hottest days of the year.
