Before you turn on your central air conditioning for the summer season, make sure you follow this checklist to get your AC ready.
- 1. Inspect the Condenser Unit: The “condenser unit” is the big box stationed outside of your house. Over the winter, it can get covered in debris and obstructions. Before you turn on the air conditioning, pop outside and take a look for any leaves, sticks or garbage that may have accumulated.
- 2. Clean the Condenser Unit: While you are at it, take a moment to clean the unit, which will help ensure proper airflow and prevent potential damage to the system. Over time, the condenser can collect pollen and debris, so it’s super important to clean the condenser annually, or sometimes even semi-annually depending on where you live.
- 3. Filter Replacement: It is extremely important to replace the air filters before starting up your air conditioning system. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and lead to increased energy consumption and costs. Changing your air filters regularly not only improves your indoor air quality, but also extends the lifespan of the equipment. For the summer season, we recommend choosing a non-restrictive filter because it will allow for the most air flow. If your AC system does not get proper airflow, it will start malfunctioning, freeze up or worse.
- 4. Filter Cheats
- Weak Filters: In the summer, we recommend a weak filter. Look for one that has a filter strength under 800 microns or “merv 10” to ensure enough air flow.
- Check Monthly: Also, ensure you check the filter each month you are running your air conditioning to ensure the filter is clean.
- Location Matters: Depending on which part of Calgary you live can affect your filter plugging up. If you live in a new area where new houses are being built then there is typically more dust and dirt in the air and your filter might need changing sooner.
- Fire Season: Also consider if we are experiencing fires then they might need to be checked more often.
- Filter Sizes: The most common filter sizes are 16” x 25” x1” or 20” x 25” x 1” . If you have a less common size filter, we recommend Alberta Furnace Filters for good pricing and availability, located in Calgary alberta.
- 5. Check Thermostat Settings: Make sure you adjust your thermostat settings for the cooling season.
- Set your thermostat to the desired temperature and ensure that the cooling mode is activated.
- If your thermostat is of the digital nature then the batteries may need to be changed. At my home, the batteries die almost a year to the day. Some thermostats are wired to the furnace and don’t need batteries changed.
- 6. Inspect Ductwork and Vents: It is a good idea to inspect the ductwork for any leaks, damage, or signs of wear. Properly sealed and insulated ducts help maintain consistent cooling throughout the home and improve energy efficiency. All vents should be open and unobstructed for optimal airflow. At my house, we find that the ducts need to be cleaned every 2 years to maintain good indoor air quality. If you are like me and don’t like paying for filters or the waste they create, maybe try an electronic air cleaner— they can be easily cleaned and remove more air pollution from the air than a filter ever can.
- 7. Drain Pipe Cleaning: Inspecting and cleaning your air conditioning system’s “condensate drain” prevents clogs and potential water damage. A clogged drain can lead to water backups and mold growth, affecting indoor air quality and system performance. If your condensate drain is made of clear tubing, then it is easy to check. If your clear tubing is black and appears to be full of mold then it may need changing. If it is white and you can’t see through it, it may need to be flushed to ensure proper drainage.
- 8. Inspect Electrical Components: Visually inspect the electrical components of your air conditioning system and look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Consider scheduling a professional inspection with us to identify and address any potential electrical issues. If you plan to inspect the electrical yourself, keep in mind this is a 220 volts appliance and this could kill you if you're not careful. Additionally, we recommend turning the power off to the appliance In the winter to prevent any power being drawn by the appliance.
- 9. Don’t Forget The Outside Condenser Cover: If you are the kind of person that covers your appliance in the winter, it is very important to take the cover off before its first turned on in the summer to prevent system failure.
- 10. Test the System: You likely want to conduct a test run of your air conditioning system before peak cooling season begins. Homeowners need to watch out for any unusual noises, odors, or performance issues early, allowing for repairs if needed.
- 11. Schedule Professional Maintenance: Scheduling annual maintenance for your air conditioning system with a qualified HVAC technician like us at Hansen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Professional maintenance includes thorough inspection, cleaning, and tuning of the air conditioning system, and ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and reliability throughout the cooling season.
These are the key aspects to take into account before turning on your air conditioning systems after winter.
This will help you enjoy a nice and cool indoor environment this summer, while also taking good care of your HVAC equipment for many summers to come!
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