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Before you know it, we’ll be in the middle of another hot Florida summer. Now is a good time to make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the next heat wave. There are a few steps you can take to check your air conditioner.

Before working on a central air conditioner, make sure the power is shut off. Shut off both the power to the condenser and the accompanying circuit breaker. Make sure you have the right tools to work on your air conditioning unit. Here are some A/C unit tips to help keep you cool this summer.

6 Tips to Check Your AC Unit Before Summer

 

Replace the Filters

One of the most important ways to make sure your air conditioning unit is ready for summer is to check the air handler or furnace filters. These should be replaced at least twice per year. If they get clogged with debris, your unit will not be able to operate efficiently and you may get dust blown around your home.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Your condenser unit, which looks like a large fan protected by grilles and usually a cover or tarp, can get clogged with dirt, leaves and other debris. The condenser is usually in your backyard. If you don’t clean it out, the condenser won’t be as effective. Making sure the power is shut off, remove the protective grilles. You’ll have to remove the side panels as well as the top, using a screwdriver or nut driver. Clean the coils using a refrigerator coil brush or vacuum brush, taking care not to damage or bend the coils.

Clear Away the Base of the Condenser

Clear away any leaves or debris that may have accumulated in the condenser’s base. Clean the fan blades of the blower with a vacuum. While you have the unit open, you can also do some basic maintenance on the bolts, tightening any that may be loose. Spraying lubricant such as WD-40 into any oil ports will also help the unit operate more efficiently.

Check the Refrigerator Lines

The refrigerator or coolant lines should be insulated for protection. If insulation is missing, these lines will lose energy. You can repair missing insulation with foam insulation tape or foam insulation sleeves. If the lines appear to be damaged or there are extensive areas needing insulation, you may want to call a professional.

Check Outdoor Wiring

Check the outdoor wiring leading to your A/C unit. If you notice wear or damage, call a professional for service before using the unit.

Turn on the A/C Unit

After giving it time to dry, test your A/C unit. Turn the thermostat off then turn the power to the disconnect box and main panel on. You can then set the thermostat to cool to make sure it’s working properly.

These A/C unit tips will help you stay cool this summer. Of course, being comfortable in your home depends on many factors, including the size and construction of your home and the neighborhood. Sometimes, it’s not enough to make changes to your existing home and you’re ready to start anew.

If you want a brand new home in the Tampa Bay area, Covenant Homes will work with you and help you design the custom home of your dreams. Check out our home gallery to see some of our recent work and start dreaming about your new home.