Getting Your AC Ready for Action
– By #Action Mechanical
As winter winds down and warmer, sunny days approach, it’s time to bid a seasonal farewell to your heater and prepare your air conditioning unit for the upcoming summer heat. Transitioning your HVAC system from one season to another not only ensures optimal performance but also helps you stay comfortable throughout the changing weather. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to shut down your heater and prep your AC unit for the summer ahead.
Shutting Down Your Heater
Turning Off Your Heater: Turning off your heater is not as simple as flipping off a light switch. Locate the power switch or breaker for your heater and switch it off to cut the power supply in order to avoid any lost energy consumption. This step is crucial to prevent any electrical mishaps. Once your heater is turned off and cooled down, you can begin the cleaning and inspection stages, avoiding any risk of burns from hot components.
Inspection: Homeowners may skip this first step simply to avoid the hassle, but it is very important to ensure that there are no underlying issues prior to shutting it down. Check for any signs of leaks or damage. Addressing these issues now can prevent costly repairs later.
Cleaning: Your heater works hard to keep you warm during the winter months, accumulating dust, and debris. Cleaning your heater and the area around your heater can improve the air quality in your home, eliminating more hazardous substances like mold spores within your system.
Change the Air Filter: A clean air filter is essential for efficient heating and cooling. Replace the filter if it’s dirty or clogged to maintain good indoor air quality and maximize airflow.
Seal Ducts and Vents: To prevent energy loss, seal any leaks in the ductwork and make sure vents are clear of obstructions. This will help distribute air evenly throughout your home.
If you are unsure where to get started, contact Action Mechanical and we'll ensure your heater is thorougly prepared to be shut down.
Prepping Your AC for Summer
Change Your Air Filter: Commercial heating and cooling systems require air filters to remove impurities before they suck indoor air into the system and blow it back into the areas they’re supposed to heat or cool.
Clean Your Inside Unit: Be sure to turn off the power to the AC unit at the breaker box to prevent any electrical accidents. Access the evaporator coil and visually inspect it for dust, dirt, and debris buildup. Gently brush the evaporator coil with a soft brush but be careful not to damage the delicate fins of the coil. Apply a foaming coil cleaner specifically designed for evaporator coils and allow the foaming cleanser to sit on the evaporator coil for a good amount of time. Rinse the evaporator coil thoroughly with water.
Clean Your Outside Unit: After cleaning your inside unit, head outside and get to work on your outside AC unit. Take a hose and wash out any debris or buildup from the fall and winter seasons. Check for bent fins and straighten them using a fin comb or flat tool. Use a clean condenser to remove dirt and grime from the condenser coil if needed. Turn the power back on and test the unit to ensure proper operation.
Chef Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or other issues with your AC system.
Test the Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working correctly and set it to the desired temperature for cooling.
If you run into any issues while preparing your AC unit for the warmer weather, contact Action Mechanical for a professional tune-up before the start of the summer season.
Transitioning your HVAC system from winter to summer requires some simple yet essential steps to ensure optimal performance and comfort. What better way to secure your home during this transition process than by contacting your trusted, local pros at Action Mechanical? Our crew members are trained to dissect HVAC system issues before these issues hurt your bank account. Contact Us today to stay cool and enjoy your summer!
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