It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer, winter, or any other season; the reality is that most people have become heavily reliant on their HVAC system because they know they wouldn’t be capable of “surviving” cold or hot temperatures without it.
Even if you’ve been utilizing your air conditioner for several years, and it seemingly looks like it’s working normally, it still doesn’t hurt to check it before you start using it, just to make sure it is ready for the upcoming season.
Better safe than sorry, right? There are a couple of steps that need to be taken in these instances, and below you’ll see a checklist that’s going to tell you exactly what to do before you turn on your AC.
Take A Good Look At The Outdoor Unit
Every outdoor HVAC system is frequently exposed to various external elements, such as leaves, debris, dirt, and others. Therefore, before you turn it on, it would be advisable to inspect it a bit. Here are the things that need to be done:
- Make sure to get rid of any twigs, debris, or grass clippings that surround your air conditioner. You need to properly clear away everything to ensure the normal airflow.
- Carefully inspect everything just to be certain there isn’t any visible damage or signs of animal nesting.
- Check the condenser fan blades to see if there are any cracks. If you notice anything unusual, then be sure to contact an AC technician before you start using the unit.
All of these steps are very important and none of them should be overlooked, because only then can you be certain that your HVAC system will run effortlessly. This is a rule that you should apply regardless of the season; however, when the time comes for spring to arrive, then be sure to hunt down useful spring HVAC tips for the AC that will tell you how to prepare your unit for the upcoming hot temperatures the right way. That’s something that every AC owner should do each year.
Don’t Forget The Air Vents
If you want your AC to be effective as it’s supposed to be, then bear in mind that it must be able to expel and draw air. If there’s anything that’s disrupting that, not permitting the air vents to function properly (meaning that something is blocking them), then your unit will be forced to work much harder, which will result in higher energy bills.
That’s why you should inspect the air vents before you turn on your air conditioner to be sure nothing is disrupting them. They need to be opened. While you’re conducting this inspection, make sure to eliminate any blockages, open the dampers that are closed to allow air to flow normally.
Moving On To The Thermostat
Checking your thermostat is another crucial step that cannot be skipped if you want to ensure you feel comfortable at home when your unit is turned on. Without it, you would never be able to set the right temperature, the one that’s going to match the climate.
When the thermostat doesn’t work properly, it can result in a variety of different problems. Your HVAC system suddenly becomes ineffective, and your energy bills are skyrocketing. Luckily, all of this can easily be prevented if you take these steps:
- Pay attention to the signs that something is wrong with your air conditioning – If you notice that your thermostat is unresponsive or that the indoor temperature isn’t right, then these things could indicate that something is potentially wrong with it.
- Test the thermostat – Place new batteries and run a system test to be one hundred percent sure that it isn’t experiencing any issues.
- Time for professionals – If you have tried to fix any problems, yet the situation remains the same, then it’s time to call the professionals. They’ll do what’s necessary to address them effectively.
As concluded previously, the thermostat is one of the most integral parts of the HVAC system, because it regulates temperature and helps you conserve energy. Consequently, you need to check it from time to time to be sure it functions normally.
The Drain Line & Pan
Your AC has different responsibilities, not just to cool the air, but to reduce or eliminate humidity. Over time, the drain line can be full of mold, algae, and dirt, which can cause water damage and leaks. If you want to avoid this, then these are the things you’re supposed to do:
- For starters, locate the drain line, which is a white PVC pipe close to the indoor unit
- To be sure that it’s clear, you should pour a small amount of water into it
- To avoid dealing with any blockages, you should flush it with a mix of vinegar and water every six months or so
If you notice standing water in the drip pan, then it definitely isn’t a good sign, and it’s your reminder to call an expert to check the drainage system.
The Importance Of The Air Filter Replacement
Changing the air filter regularly is another essential part of this entire process. How come? Well, that’s because the air filter is the one that doesn’t allow debris to enter your air conditioner, and, concurrently, ensures the clean air circulates throughout your household.
That’s precisely why you must replace it every three to four months. Now, this isn’t a general rule of thumb. How often you’ll do it depends mostly on the type of filter you have, along with the size of your home and whether people who live under your roof suffer from any allergies or respiratory issues.
If you want to be certain that your unit is functioning seamlessly and that you are maintaining optimal air quality, then it’s pivotal to know when the perfect time is to put in a new HVAC filter, and be sure to utilize a HEPA filter.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be using your AC for the first time this year or not; what matters is to take all the above-mentioned preventive measures to ensure it is perfectly ready to work again.
