Four Ways to Prepare Air Conditioning for Summer
TAMPA, FL – Spring is almost over, and we have four easy ways to prepare your air conditioning for summer and avoid untimely ac repairs. Your air conditioner will be running basically nonstop throughout the summer in Tampa, FL. Be sure it’s ready for the extra work with four simple maintenance checks.
Change the AC air filter
Inspect your air filter and if you see dirt or mold, replace it. Why is replacing your air filter important? A dirty air conditioning air filter can restrict the airflow to your air conditioner. This can cause the ac unit to overwork, which can result overheating and failure. Summer in Tampa, Florida is the worst time for your air conditioner to fail. So make it easy on yourself and get in the habit of installing new air filters every month throughout the summer. After summer you can resume replacing the ac air filters every three months.
Clear the outdoor air conditioning unit of debris
Inspect the outdoor air conditioning unit and be certain no debris such as leaves or paper obstructing the airflow intake. Tall weeds, moss, trash, etc. can collect around the ac unit and should be removed. A decorative cover over your air conditioner may look nice, but it can obstruct the air flow as much or more than debris. So you may want to consider removing it to ensure optimal operation and equipment lifespan of your air conditioner.
It’s common for leaves to collect and become lodged in the air conditioner airflow intake. Such obstructions will inhibit the outdoor ac unit’s ability to move heat from inside to outside. The ac unit will compensate for the obstruction by working harder to push heat outside, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the ac equipment.
A clean outdoor air conditioning unit allows for better airflow, which will increase equipment efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Check that AC air vents are open
Inspect the ceiling and wall vents in your home and be sure they are open free of obstruction. Move any drapes or furniture that may be blocking an air vent to ensure free airflow. Better airflow will help your air conditioner work more efficiently, saving you money on electrical costs and unnecessary equipment repairs.
Inspect the AC drain line
An air conditioner removes humidity as it removes warm air from inside your house. This humidity condensates as water and drains to the outside via piping called a condensate drain. Locate this pipe and check to make sure water is draining. If the drain becomes clogged try using a wetvac to vacuum out the clog, or call an AC Repair company to clean the drain for you.
Schedule AC Maintenance every 6 months
Most air conditioner manufacturers recommend routine maintenance inspections every six months. An ac maintenance inspection should include the following tasks:
- Lubricate motors
- Clean air filter
- Test operating pressures
- Clean drain lines
- Calibrate thermostat
- Test safety switch
- Test capacitors
- Check amp relays
- Test reversing valve
- Test defrost board
- Test freon metering device
- Check amps on blower
- Test safety controls
- Check for freon leaks
- Clean condenser coil
- Inspect blower wheel
- Inspect drain pan
- Check contact points
- Check amps on fan
- Spray rust inhibitor
- Spray mold and mildew killer
- Test compressor starting
- Check airflow temperature
- Inspect wire connections
- Check voltage
- Inspect for rust/corrosion
- Test heating element
- Check crankcase heater
Contact Gulf Coast Air Systems and ask about their AC Maintenance Specials.
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