Air Conditioning Preparation Tips | Shipley Energy

Posted by Laura Bretz on 5/15/15 4:55 PM

ACTemperatures are rising and it’s definitely time to start thinking about turning on the AC.  With your system lying dormant for six months, there are a few things that can be easily done to ensure that your air conditioner is running properly.

The Basics

There are two main parts to an air conditioning system.  There is an exterior condenser unit and then an interior evaporator unit that’s mounted on the air handler or the furnace.  Essentially, these two pieces of equipment work to extract heat from your home using the same process as a refrigerator.  After that, the air handler or furnace blower pushes chilled air through the duct work of your home.  Overall, detailed maintenance of the system is not a do-it-yourself job and should be done by a professional.  However, certain cleaning and maintenance can be done yourself. 

Be Safe!

The main thing to check before you start cleaning is to turn off the power to your condenser at the service panel.  Ensuring that everything you touch is completely powered down is the most important thing to remember.  Not doing so is extremely dangerous.  Most condensers also have a 240-volt disconnect box near the unit.  Once everything is turned off, you still need to wait 30 minutes for the electrical charge in the capacitor to dissipate.  Again, not doing so is extremely dangerous as you could be electrocuted.

Check the Thermostat

It may seem silly, but this is the step that is most often forgotten.  Lowering the temperature in your home won’t work unless you switch the setting to “cool.”  If the cool air doesn’t kick-in a few minutes after changing the setting, consider calling a service technician for repair.

Clear Any Obstructions

Be sure to check the exterior unit and clear away anything that could impede airflow.  Cut back any grass, hedges or trees that could potentially get in the way.  You may find grass, leaves and trash by the condenser as well; take care to remove them.  Make sure grills are clear and you can also spray the coils off with a hose.  If you’d like, you can also use a specialized brush to clean the fins.

Clean or Replace Filters

The filter for your air conditioner can be found on your interior unit.  You should check this filter monthly to remove any dust or debris.  Filters are extremely important as they keep particles out of the AC mechanism.  It’s suggested to replace the filter every three months.  A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes the air conditioning system less efficient.  It also recirculates dust back into your home and increases allergens.

Check the Drain Line

Air conditioners have excess moisture that needs to drain out of the system.  There is a pipe or hose that transports water away from the coils and into a drainage area.  If this line is blocked, the water can back up into the air conditioning system and can be quite costly to repair if it is not taken care of.  If this line is blocked, be sure to call a professional technician for repair.

Consider Upgrading

There are more efficient and cost-effective air conditioning systems made every year.  If you’re considering upgrading, be sure to look for models that have the Energy Star logo on them.  With the right model, it is likely that you’ll save money on your energy bills.

Get Your Air Conditioner Tuned-up By a Professional

Shipley Energy offers a thorough 16 point inspection to ensure that your air conditioner is operating at peak efficiency.  Not only is the system checked, but the technician will also verify that all electrical and mechanical systems are operating properly.

Experts suggest to get your air conditioner inspected annually.  This helps cut down on energy costs for you and can help ensure that your system runs longer and cleaner.

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Topics: HVAC