How to Prepare Your AC Unit for Summer

Prepare Your AC Repair for Summer

Before you call an AC repair service to fix your AC unit, you should do some prep work to get your unit ready for the hot weather. Clean the coils, condenser, drain pan, and drain pipe. All debris should be removed from the exterior unit. Once the unit is cleaned, it should be stored in an accessible place, such as a garage. If you don’t have a garage or a concrete slab, place the unit outside on it. A professional can install the unit on this slab without damaging the floor.  

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Cleaning the coils

In addition to keeping the air you breathe fresh, cleaning your AC's coils will prevent a number of problems. A dirty evaporator or condenser coil can result in lowered system performance and warm, muggy air in your home. These problems can continue and you may need to call your AC repair company for a summer AC repair. These are the steps you should take to clean your AC coils.

First, you'll need to gather the tools that you need to clean the coils. Turn the unit off and get your tools. Use a brush and a towel to clean the coils. You must clean the coils from the outside to prevent dirt and grime getting inside the unit. Clean the coils regularly and you'll enjoy lower electric bills in the summer.

Cleaning the drain pipe

The drain pipe is a vital part of your cooling and heating system. By cleaning it regularly, you'll be able to keep it functioning at peak performance all summer long. First, clear out any debris. To do this, you'll need to remove any loose debris or slime from the pipe. Here are some easy steps to clean the drain pipe:

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You must first clear out any blockages in your drain pipes. Next, check for leaks in the sewer line. This is best done in the summer when temperatures are warmer and conditions are more favorable for drain maintenance and repair. After you have done this, you can make an appointment with an air conditioner repair company to get your unit back in working order.

Cleaning the condenser

Clean your condenser unit in the spring and summer to remove any debris or buildup on the fins. It is best to use a hex head nut driver to remove the bolts that secure the top of the condenser unit. You should not damage the fins with a screwdriver.

If the condenser is outdoors, take out any dead leaves or plants that could obstruct its airflow. You should also ensure that the condenser is not within five feet of any decks or other obstructions. In summer, the condenser might need to be cleaned more frequently than usual. However, if you do not have the time to clean the condenser regularly, cleaning it once a year will do you no harm.

Clean the condenser of your air conditioning system to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Air conditioners last between ten to fifteen years. A dirty condenser can cause premature failure of the refrigerant system, in addition to making it less efficient. The condenser coils are also home to biological contaminants that may eventually make their way into your home.

Cleaning the drain pan

In preparation for summer, cleaning your drain pan is an important AC maintenance task. These are the steps to follow at home. You will need to locate the drain pan's access point in order to clean the condensate drain lines. Turn off the drain line cap, and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to it. Let the vinegar stand for 30 minutes and then rinse it out with clean water.

The next step is to clean the evaporator coil. Dust and algae can clog the evaporator coil. To clean the coil, you can buy a commercial coil cleaner. You can also clean the drain pan yourself with soap and water. Once you have completed this step, your AC repair technician will be ready to start the work. Just make sure you clean it on a warm day to prevent condensation from washing the dirt and dust from the coils.