Getting Your Home Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Summer may be months away, but spring is the perfect time to get your air conditioner prepped and ready for warm, sunny days ahead!

Your AC unit sits idle for months during the fall and winter, collecting leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you don’t do a bit of maintenance on it, you might need to have it serviced in the summer—and as the busiest time for AC repair, this means you may end up waiting longer to get your unit up and running again. By doing a little maintenance now, you can keep your AC running great all season long. 

At PECO Heating & Cooling, we’re always happy to help you with any of your air conditioning needs. However, if you’d like to perform some basic maintenance yourself, here are a few helpful tips. Keep in mind that repairs should always be left to the professionals!

Understanding Your Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners have two primary components: the condenser, which is usually located outdoors, and an evaporator, which is mounted on the furnace or air handler. These two components work together to extract heat from the room using refrigeration technology. The furnace or air handler then blows the cooled, dehumidified air through the ducts and into the room. 

1.    Clean and/or Replace Your HVAC Filters 

This is one of the easiest and most important types of AC maintenance you can perform yourself. Most HVAC systems use a reusable or replaceable filter, which is usually located inside the air-inlet side of the air handler or furnace. Some systems also use air filters in the return air registers throughout the home. 

Air filters should be cleaned or replaced at least twice a year or whenever start looking clogged. If you have a large household, pets, or family members with allergies or other respiratory conditions, you may want to consider replacing them more frequently. Replacing your air filters will ensure the airflow doesn’t get restricted and allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently. Clean air filters also prevent dust from being recirculated in your home. 

2.    Clear Debris Away from the Condenser

After you’ve cleaned the condenser, remove any leaves or debris that have collected near its base. If your AC unit has a drain, make sure the drain is clear as well. Cut and remove any hedges, weeds or vines that could obstruct the condenser’s airflow.

3.    Check the Coolant Lines

The refrigerant tubes or pipes that run from the evaporator are usually covered with foam insulation. If any of the insulation is damaged or missing, it should be replaced. Foam insulation sleeves can be purchased online or at a hardware store. Wrap the lines in a spiral around the tubes or pipes and secure them using foam insulation tape. 

Your AC unit should start working again! If you have any issues, contact us to schedule an appointment.  

Get Your AC Ready for Summer with Professional Maintenance & Repairs

PECO is here to help! We’ll perform a thorough inspection and cleaning of the entire system, including the electrical connections, wiring, refrigerant levels, and other components. Don’t wait until summer to get your AC in gear—call PECO today at (864) 639-2424 or schedule an appointment online.