Preparing Your Air Conditioning for the Warmer Months
With spring setting in and summer just a few months away, the weather is becoming noticeably warmer, which means your air conditioning is about to start getting put through its paces. Before things get too uncomfortable, you want to make sure you have a home cooling system that works. If you don’t want to spend any uncomfortable days without a properly functioning air conditioner this summer, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly maintained before we get into the season. Consider these air conditioning maintenance tips to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Test Your Thermostat
The easiest way to determine whether your cooling system is working is by doing a simple test: set your thermostat to “cool,” turn it on and see how long it takes for your air conditioning unit to start pumping out cold air. If it takes a while to start up, doesn’t output cool air or refuses to work at all, it might be time to call a professional repair technician. Fortunately, there are a few other steps you can take on your own before having to pick up the phone.
Replace Your Filter
An air filter helps remove contaminants and pollutants by catching debris before they’re released into your home. Over time, this dust and debris can clog up the filter and lead to decreased air flow and poor indoor air quality. Most manufacturers recommend you replace your filter every month or so. This is especially important for families with allergies or other breathing issues.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your air condition unit is not just the vents within your home, but an outdoor condenser unit as well. It normally looks like a large rectangular box with grating on the outside and a large fan in the center. Before doing any maintenance or inspection on the condenser unit, make sure all electricity to the system is completely turned off. If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, call a professional technician.
The condenser unit contains a large fan, which is visible through a metal grill. Like your air filter inside, the condenser unit can also get dirty. Debris such as leaves can get into the system and potentially cause problems. Dirt can also get into the system and clog the coils within. To clean the condenser, you’ll need to remove the side and top panels or grills, which will likely require a screwdriver. Once the panel is open, gently brush away the debris. Commercial coil cleaners are also available for stubborn dirt or contaminants.
Get an Upgrade
If you air conditioning system is old and outdated, it might be more cost-effective to just buy a completely new unit. Modern A/C systems are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, potentially saving you a significant amount of money on your future electric bills. While the cost might seem steep now, you’re likely to see a return on your investment within a matter of years.
A/C Maintenance and Installation in Pennsylvania
If you’re in need of professional A/C installation or maintenance, contact the experts at Ferro Fuel Oil today. Our staff is trained and experienced with both central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. If you’re looking to buy a new unit we can take the time to help you find the perfect fit for your home. We also offer annual system maintenance and service plans. Call today to learn more!