Air Conditioner Preparation Tips

Summer will be here before we know it. We are all hoping for our air conditioners to run trouble free all season long. Here are a few tips to prepare your system for the coming warmer weather.

1. Change the air filter

The number one thing you can do for your air conditioning system is to change the air filter. Good airflow improves performance and efficiency. Your air filter should be changed at least every 90 days. It needs to be changed even more frequently if you are located in a dusty environment or have furry animals living in your home. If you wish to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance it’s best to change the air filter every month or two during the summer months.

A surprising portion of our service calls are the result of dirty filters. This is preventable by checking your filter monthly and replacing it when needed.

Turn the power to the furnace or air handler off before removing the filter. Open the filter door. Note the direction of the airflow arrow on the filter's frame. Grip the filter and slide it out. Open the blower compartment. Vacuum up any dust that has accumulated in the compartment.

If the existing filter appears to be the correct size (Width, Height and Depth), measure it and purchase one or more of the same size. You may find it helpful to write the dimensions on the front of the air handler for future reference.

You should generally replace the filter with a new filter that has the same airflow rating (MERV). Be careful with 'air purifying' or HEPA filters. They can dramatically reduce airflow in your system. This reduced airflow can cause the indoor coil to freeze up.

Install the new filter with the airflow arrow in the same direction as the one you removed and turn the power back on.

2. Clean the outdoor condenser

The outdoor condenser is responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant. This is necessary for the unit to cool air effectively. When the condenser is dirty or clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder and is less efficient at cooling.

If you put a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it from snow and ice, remove it first.

Turn off the power to the condenser at its shutoff box. This is usually located outside within sight of the outdoor unit. Some shutoffs simply pull out; others have a handle to pull down or a fuse to remove. If you don’t see a shutoff box, turn off the power with the circuit breaker(s) at your main electrical panel.

If grass clippings, “cotton” from cottonwood trees, and debris are clogging your coil, you may be able to use a soft brush to gently clean it. Or, you can rinse it off using a garden hose on a gentle setting and a spray degreaser such as Simple Green. DON’T blast it with the hose on a high setting or you’ll bend the fins that allow airflow to cool the condenser.

You might need an HVAC expert to remove the top to your unit and access debris and clean from the inside depending upon how much dirt and debris you see.

The area in the vicinity of your outdoor unit needs to remain clear for optimal airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris near the condenser. Make sure that any nearby grass is trimmed low. Prune nearby flowers, shrubs and trees to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.

If you switch off the air conditioner, at any time, you should wait at least five minutes before switching it back on. The compressor needs time to “decompress.” If you restart it too soon, you’ll stress the motor. Many thermostats have a built-in automatic delay to protect the compressor from this problem.

After adequately cleaning the condenser and the surrounding area you may turn the power to the outdoor unit back on.

3. Check that the unit is level

The pad your condensing unit sits on can shift or settle over time, causing the unit to tilt. This can cause improper operation and premature wear, check the unit to ensure it is still sitting relatively level. You should do this with a carpenter’s level. If necessary, level the unit by wedging shims under its base.

4. Clean Vents and Registers

If you have a centralized air conditioning system, you have ductwork with various vents and registers throughout your home. Dust, pet hair and other airborne waste can accumulate on supply registers and return vents, obstructing airflow. You may use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean this buildup. As you are cleaning the vents and registers, verify that they are open and not blocked by objects like furniture, rugs or curtains as this could affect your cooling system's ability to adequately cool your home.

Despite what you may have heard, closing registers in spare rooms does not use less energy; all it does is throw off the system’s airflow balance. To protect against undue strain on your system, keep no less than 80% of your supply registers open at all times.

5. Check your Thermostat

If you haven’t already upgraded to a smart thermostat, be sure to change your thermostat settings for warmer summer temperatures. You don’t want the air conditioner trying to keep your home at winter temperatures. Consider a thermostat upgrade. A smart thermostat can help you save money by automating your heating and cooling needs.

6. Turn On your system and Test It

Before the hot weather arrives it’s a good idea to turn your system on and run it for a bit. This is a great way to tell if there are any potential issues and allows you to schedule repairs, if necessary, before the summer.

It is best to test the outdoor unit when the temperature is 60 degrees F or higher. Compressors won’t work as well in temperatures below 60 degrees.

Turn the thermostat down so the air conditioner comes on.

Go to both the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser and listen to the sounds from the system as it goes through a standard cooling cycle. Do you hear any unusual noises? Most air conditioning units produce a low-level hum, and this can be completely normal. However, if you hear something more, you may want to call us to investigate further.

Give your system some time to cool down, then walk around your home and make sure cool air is flowing freely from each register.

Be on the lookout for any strange noises, or smells, that might indicate a potential problem.

7. Check the Condensate Drain Line

In a conventional air conditioning system, in addition to the condenser outside, an evaporator coil is located inside with your furnace or air handler. As this evaporator coil removes heat from the air inside your home, condensation forms on the coil. This condensation drips off the coil into a pan under the evaporator. The condensate then drains from the drain pan through a drain line, to a floor drain or a pump that pumps it to a drain elsewhere. This drain line can become clogged with mold, algae, dust, and dirt. A clogged line can cause the drain pan to overflow. A common sign this has occurred is standing water around your furnace or air handler. You might also notice water dripping from the drain pan at the bottom of the evaporator coil. Many systems have a sensor that trips when the drain pan isn’t draining correctly. If your system shuts off and immediately switches off when you turn it back on it could be a sign that the drain line is plugged. A musty smell is another indicator of a clogged drain line.

Check this drain line after running the unit for a few hours; if you don’t see some water flowing slowly out of the end of the drain line, it may be clogged. When you see dripping from the end of the condensate line it means that the line is functioning properly.

8. Inspect the Refrigerant Lines

Two copper pipes connect the outdoor compressor to the indoor evaporator coil. One of the pipes should be covered with foam insulation. If you have a heat pump, both pipes will be insulated.

Check the insulation around these pipes. If missing or damaged, replace with refrigerant-grade pipe insulation.

After 10 minutes with the air conditioning system on, carefully pull back the insulation and feel the pipes. One should feel cool, about 60 degrees. The other pipe should feel warm, about skin temperature. Call us to check the refrigerant level if either pipe doesn’t feel right.

Your system shouldn’t need to be recharged unless there is a leak somewhere. Without adequate refrigerant, the system will not be able to cool your home at all.

9. Seal and Insulate your home

Proper sealing and insulation are crucial for maintaining your home’s comfort and efficiency. Leaks around doors, windows and ductwork can lead to significant energy losses. This will force your air conditioning system to work harder. Inspect and seal any leaks with weather stripping or caulk and ensure your home is adequately insulated to keep the cool air in and the warm air out.

Following these air conditioner preparation tips will help get your air conditioner ready for the warmer summer weather. With a little maintenance now, your system will run more efficiently and save money on your energy bills! For a thorough service call or inspection, call the experts at Elbert Heating & Air today. We’ll schedule you for a “Clean & Check” to make sure your unit is ready for summer.