How To Get Your Air Conditioning Ready This Spring

Before you really need to use your air conditioner, you are going to want to make sure that it is ready to go. That way, when the first hot day hits and you want to cool off, you can turn on your air conditioner with the confidence that it is going to work correctly.

Clear off the Outside Unit

The first place you should start when getting your air conditioner ready this spring is outside of your house. The outside unit may have gotten dirty or damaged over the winter. If there are nearby plants, trim them back. If weeds are growing next to the unit, pull them out. You want air to be able to flow around the unit.

If the unit is dirty, you can spray it off with a garden hose and scrub it down with a scrub brush. Be sure to clean the evaporator and condenser coils. Cleaning off and up the outside unit will help ensure that everything works properly.

Change Out the Air Filter

Second, you need to change out the air filter for your AC unit. Some air conditioners are equipped with air filters that you can clean. If that is the case, pull out the filter and clean it with some soap and water, and allow the filter to dry in the sun before putting it back. If the filter is not one that you can wash, then swap it out for a new one.

Set a reminder on your calendar every month to check on the air filter. You may need to clean the air filter or change out the filter for a new one. Setting a reminder and making this a monthly task is the best way to ensure that your air filter is always in good shape. When your air filter is dirty and clogged, it can make it seem like your AC unit is malfunctioning when really the air filter just needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Check Inside Vents

Third, you need to check the vents inside of your home, especially if you have not been using the vents over the winter. Make sure that they are all open and that nothing is sitting on top of them or blocking the air flow out of the vents in any way.

The vents in your house can get dirty over time, so you may want to pull off the covers and clean them on both sides. Depending on how dirty the covers to the vents are, you may be able to clean them by simply wiping them down with a rag, or you can clean them by soaking them in some warm water and scrubbing them down.

This spring, before it gets really hot outside, spend a few hours making sure that your air conditioning unit is ready for the hot weather. Clean the outside unit, change the air filter, and take care of the inside vents. You should also have a professional come out and inspect the mechanical side of your unit. 

For more information, contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor.