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Even in a climate like Alaska's, air conditioning is essential for indoor summer comfort. Now that hot weather is just around the corner, it's time to start preparing your AC for everyday use. The tips below will help you get your system ready for the season, so your home can remain cool and comfortable.

How to Get Your Air Conditioning Ready for Summer

1. Clean the Coils & Fins

An air conditioner collects heat from the indoors and vents it outside. To do that, it uses a radiator-like coil with hundreds of tiny fins that allow effective heat dissipation. If the coil and fins are covered with dust or clogged with leaves and other debris, heat exhaust cannot occur efficiently and your house won't cool quickly. 

To clean the unit, unplug it from its power source and remove the lid and side panel. Run a hose over the coil to rinse away dirt. Clear away larger debris by hand, and gently scrub the fins with a toothbrush to remove stuck particles. Plug it in again and test it to make sure it runs properly. 

2. Level the Slab

Outdoor air conditioning compressors sit on a concrete slab a few feet from the outside of the building. This slab can sink into the ground if the soil is too soft or is pushed upward during winter due to ice expansion, resulting in the compressor sitting at an angle instead of level. This causes uneven oil levels within the pump motor, so only half the motor receives proper lubrication. 

Oil might also leak into areas you don't want it to. To ensure the slab is straight, check it with a carpenter's level. If it's uneven, carefully lift the low end with a pry bar and fill the gap with a bit of gravel until the unit is level.

3. Schedule Yearly Maintenance

Contact an HVAC professional to perform an annual AC inspection. They'll inspect and replace the filter, if necessary, and oil the blower motor. They should inspect all fuses and relays, tighten electrical connections, check refrigerant levels, and flush the condensate (drip) line of algae. 

They'll also test the thermostat and make sure the system is operating properly. Ask them to make necessary repairs before the broken parts cause operational problems. 


To have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced before the heat of summer arrives, contact Extreme Heating and Air Inc. in Eagle River, AK. Under their care, you can expect your AC unit to run as efficiently as possible, saving you money on utility bills. Professional service also extends the lifespan of your system and ensures you experience no inconvenient breakdowns. They have served the Valley region since 2007, also specializing in furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and plumbing. Learn more about them at their website or call (907) 726-1805 to schedule an air conditioning inspection.

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