Summer is just around the corner, and as temperatures rise, many homeowners are preparing to run their air conditioning more regularly to beat the heat. However, when an AC sits idly for months, or even when it’s used only occasionally during the spring, it’s easy to miss basic issues that an HVAC contractor can resolve ahead of time. Here are a few essential preparatory steps to take before switching your cooling on this summer.

3 Tips to Prepare Your Air Conditioning for the Summer

1. Replace the Filter

HVAC filters are simple devices that play an important role in an air conditioner’s operation and in preventing respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions. As air circulates through the ducts, they remove dust, dander, and allergens, leaving the air fresher and cleaner. 

However, over time, they’ll become clogged with dirt and require replacement. If you haven’t changed your filter in three months or more, do so before turning on the AC.

2. Clean the Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are the elements of an AC system that vent heat extracted from indoor air into the outdoors. As such, the outdoor condenser unit is one of the most important components in a cooling system, and it needs to be free of dirt and obstructions to function correctly.

Before the temperature rises, inspect your condenser coils for damage. Issues like missing fins and hail damage should be addressed by an HVAC contractor before attempting to switch on your cooling. 

Clear away any leaves, twigs, or debris, and trim back any plant growth near the unit to ensure that it’s able to operate efficiently.

3. Check the Coolant Lines

Coolant, or refrigerant, is the substance that cools hot air to the desired temperature. It runs through a series of pipes between the outdoor condenser unit to the evaporator inside. These pipes can develop leaks or break down due to corrosion, temperature changes, and other factors, leading to loss of pressure and subsequent difficulty keeping rooms cool.

Make sure the coolant lines are intact and the foam insulation surrounding them is in good condition in the spring. If the insulating sleeves are worn or damaged, replace them with new sleeves from a hardware store.

Before the summer heat sets in, make sure your air conditioning is up to the task of keeping your home cool with help from the team at Thomaston Oil & Propane. Serving homes throughout Litchfield, CT, these trusted HVAC contractors offer a full range of AC maintenance services, including tuneups, pre-season checks, and repairs. Call (860) 283-4878 to request an estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.