Winter is passing and summer is just around the corner. It’s an exciting time, and you’re probably looking forward to days at the beach and time spent in your back yard.
But you can’t neglect your household maintenance, especially with regards to switching from heat to air conditioning.
Here are a few essential tasks you need to ensure your system is just as ready for springtime as you are, along with a quick guide to testing your system.
Check Your Thermostat
The first step in making sure you’re ready to turn on the air conditioner is making sure all the component parts of your system are working.
The easiest place to start is the most obvious: your thermostat.
If your heating equipment isn’t working properly, there’s a chance that the thermostat is defective. Even if the heating system is working properly, it’s important to test your thermostat to make sure everything is in good working order.
That way, you can be sure to avoid many of the common thermostat problems.
Replace Your Filters
If your thermostat is in good order, it’s time to check your filters.
Your air filters should be changed every three months or so (or as recommended by your manufacturer. Regardless, you should replace your air filters before the start of the season to give your AC unit a boost going into the new heating or cooling season.
If you’ve never changed a filter before, check out this article for tips to help get you started.
Check Your Insulation
While you’re working on the air filters, you should also spend some quality time checking on the state of your insulation.
Not sure what this means? No worries.
At the back of your AC unit, you’ll see coolant lines connecting the unit to your home. These coolant lines should have insulation on them to protect them against wear and tear (and to protect your system from leaking coolant).
If the insulation is missing, cracked, frayed, peeled, or otherwise in a state of disrepair, make sure to get in touch with your local HVAC repair contractors to fix it ASAP.
Check Your Drain Line
While you’re checking your coolant lines for insulation, you should also make sure to check your drain line.
Typically, there is a drain near your indoor cooling coil. If you periodically flush a cup of chlorine bleach down your drain and flush it with a gallon of water, you can keep your drain line clear for the season (which allows your unit to work more efficiently).
This might not seem like a big deal until you consider what happens if your drain line becomes clogged.
The whole point of the drain is to remove water from your system. If the drain gets clogged, that water still has to go somewhere. You’re just not going to like it, because it usually means serious water damage.
Inspect Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
On the topic of blockages and avoiding them, it’s equally important that you check your outdoor condenser unit for any potential blockages.
There should be no blockage in the unit and no debris around the unit, either–both are equally detrimental to the function of your system. Any leaves, dirt, or similar debris can interfere with interior components and prevent your unit from functioning properly.
To that end, make sure that the unit and the area around it are both clean and clear. You should also check for any missing or misshapen panels (these panels are meant to enclose electrical components and protect them against the elements–if a panel is missing, these components could be damaged).
Schedule a Tune-Up
If you’re not sure where to begin with your AC unit (or if you spot more than one problem with the unit) it’s time to schedule a tune-up.
Even if your unit seems to be working fine, you should have an HVAC professional visit your home at least once a year to make sure your system is in good working order.
It might seem like a waste of money if your system is already working, but doing regular checkups helps ensure that your system is running safely and efficiently. Not only does that help protect your home, but it also helps you save money.
Know Your Unit’s Retirement Age
Sometimes, though, taking care of your unit before switching over means more than just regular maintenance.
Sometimes, it means replacing your unit altogether.
Like anything else, AC units have a retirement age (or, at least, a period of maximal efficiency) and once they pass that age, they’re no longer doing everything you need them to.
And that will drive up your energy bill in time, on top of putting you at risk of potential hazards.
Even if your unit has been properly maintained, it will wear out eventually. The key is knowing when it’s time to say goodbye. Fortunately, the right HVAC company can make the installation process quick and easy.
Switching Over
If you’ve done all of that maintenance work, then you’re ready to start switching from heat to air conditioning.
Start by lowering the temperature of your thermostat to the desired level and turn the system “on” at the thermostat. Then, go outside and listen to the fan in your condenser. It should sound steady, and the air coming out of the top should feel warm (as the unit is removing warm air from your home).
Tips on Switching from Heat to Air Conditioning
Are you ready to start switching from heat to air conditioning?
You’re definitely ready for the summertime, but if you’re still not sure about the intricacies of your heating and cooling system, there’s nothing wrong with hiring experts to help you out.
If you need repair, maintenance, or an estimate, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Is your air conditioner ready for the warmer weather? If you’re not sure, get in touch with Hays, the air conditioning and heating maintenance specialists, to keep your HVAC system running strong for years to come. Our trusted professionals work hard to provide you with exceptional service at a fair price.
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