After your air conditioner has sat idle all winter long, it’s important to make sure it is ready for the summer. The last thing anyone wants is a scorching hot summer day with an air conditioner that isn’t in proper working order. Performing yearly maintenance on your air conditioner is a must.

Clean the AC Unit

The first step to proper AC maintenance is to make sure the parts of your AC unit are clean. First, check the air filter as it often becomes clogged with dust over time. Clean or replace the filter as needed to ensure proper air flow. Next, clean the outside of the unit. For safety reasons, locate the switch that turns off your air conditioner before you begin to clean. After the unit is off, use a brush to carefully clean dust off the fins as they can easily bend. Then, spray the outside of the unit, or fins, with a hose to clear off dust or debris that has accumulated over the winter. After cleaning the outside, unscrew the access panel to expose the evaporator coil. Remove dirt and debris from the evaporator coil. You can use compressed air or a brush to clear dirt off of the evaporator coil. Another important step in maintaining your AC unit is to clean the condensation lines. Clean up all leaves, weeds, or grass that may surround the lines and unit. A clean unit will work more efficiently throughout the summer. Should you need professional help to clean your AC unit, KAC Express can help.

Check for Leaks

It is imperative that you check each year to be sure your AC unit isn’t leaking. As you run your AC unit, check for water pooling around the concrete slab. Also, inspect the ductwork to be sure it isn’t leaking either. If you see leaking water of any kinds, contact a professional HVAC company for repairs. A leaking unit isn’t a properly working unit.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat offers many benefits. Being able to set a higher temperature in your house when you are away at work or out of town can help save money on your monthly AC bill. A programmable thermostat is an energy efficient way to ensure you are only using your AC unit as needed this summer. Should you require professional assistance with installing a programmable thermostat, checking for leaks, or performing a maintenance check on your AC unit before summer, contact KAC for more information.