How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

April 12, 2021 - Published by Scott's Air

It’s springtime! That means summer is right around the corner. After months of little to no use, your air conditioner might not be prepared to take on the intense heat of Florida summer. Don’t worry. The professionals at Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning can help. Or, if you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can read through these 6 steps on how to prepare your air conditioner for summer!

1. Change the Air Filters

It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running well, yet most people neglect this step. Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of AC system inefficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests changing them every month or two. Change your air filter more often if you have pets or residents with asthma or other lung issues.

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning has a wide variety of filters and sizes available for purchase. Or, you can always find air filters online or at home improvement stores. Make sure the air filter you choose works with the make and model of your AC unit!

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

The summer months can mean high energy bills. Installing a programmable thermostat can be a great way to reduce how much energy you spend. You can program it to use less power while you are away and at night when you’re not fighting the heat of the sun. You can save an estimated 10% to 30% on your energy bill by switching to a programmable thermostat. The professionals at Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose the right programmable thermostat and can also install it for you.

The following steps are a bit more advanced, so break out that tool belt and get ready to get your hands dirty – or just call Scott’s Air!

3. Check Ductwork for Leaks

Sealing leaky ducts leads to massive savings.

This step may require help from air conditioning professionals. However, if you do this yourself, look for disconnected joints, dislocated pieces or small holes. You will want to seal those up before you start heavily using your AC system to reduce your energy costs.

4. Clean the Coils on the Outside Unit

To clean coils, spray the system from the outside with a hose. It only takes a few minutes. If mud or dirt gets caked on, you’ll want to turn off the system, open it up and use a professional-grade cleaner.

5. Clean Around the Unit

It’s important to keep the area around your unit clean and free of debris. Make sure to cut or pull any weeds that may be growing up or around the unit.

If you’re still worried about your AC unit – you’ll need to open it up. Make sure it’s turned off before starting this step. Clean any debris that is inside the unit. If it has a drain, make sure it isn’t clogged. Take time to clean the blades with a rag. If you have any oil ports, spray a little W-D 40. Then close up the unit.

If you are uncomfortable doing this on your own, you can always call the professionals at Scott’s Air.

6. Check the Coolant Lines

The coolant line is a collection of pipes called refrigerant tubes. They connect your evaporator to your condenser on the outside of the house. You may notice insulation tubes covering the pipes.

If any of the pipes look frayed or missing, replace them. You can buy foam insulation sleeves online. To place them on the pipe, cut one side of the sleeve with a utility knife. Then wrap it around the pipes.

Need Assistance? Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning Is Here to Help!

If you’re still wondering how to prepare your air conditioner for summer, Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning’s 20-Point AC Tune Up can take care of all your maintenance and summer preparation needs. Our NATE Certified technicians will give your air conditioning system a complete checkup and identify any issues that could cause problems when going into the heavy-use summer months.

If you need help with planned maintenance, installation, or AC repair, call us today.

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!