As the days grow longer and temperatures start to climb, it’s time to turn to your trusty air conditioner for a cool refuge from the summer heat. Getting your air conditioner ready for summer can be simple and stress-free. Indeed, following a few simple steps can significantly impact maintaining a cool home and managing energy costs. Our detailed guide covers everything from cleaning filters and ducts to setting thermostats for maximum efficiency. By following this guide, you’ll have your air conditioner fully prepared to keep you comfortable throughout the summer season. Let’s get your AC ready to ensure a refreshing and efficient summer!

Why Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer is Crucial

Getting your air conditioner ready for the summer season is essential for several reasons. Proper maintenance ensures that your unit runs efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and extending the lifespan of your system. Additionally, a well-maintained air conditioner provides better air quality, which is crucial for your family’s health, especially during allergy season. Finally, by addressing potential issues early, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs when you need your AC the most.

At Furnace Store, we understand the importance of a reliable air conditioning system. That’s why we offer a wide range of top-quality air conditioners, heat pumps, and garage heaters, all backed by our 10-Year Unit Replacement Limited Warranty. Plus, with our Canada-wide free shipping and easy payment options with Paybright, keeping your home cool and comfortable has never been easier.

Safety First

Safety should always be your top priority when preparing your air conditioner for summer. Follow these essential safety measures to protect yourself and ensure a smooth maintenance process:

• Turn Off the Power: Always switch off the circuit breaker attached to your AC system before starting any work. This prevents electrical shocks.
• Use Proper Tools and Gear: Ensure you have the right tools and wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
• Check for Damage: Inspect the unit for any visible damage, like frayed wires or leaks. If you find significant issues, consult a professional.
• Handle Chemicals Safely: Use cleaning products as directed and in well-ventilated areas. Avoid mixing different chemicals.
• Keep the Area Clear: Ensure the workspace around your AC unit is free of obstacles to avoid trips and falls.

Summer AC Maintenance Steps

Fresh Filters for a Breezy Summer

One of the most important steps in preparing your air conditioner for the summer is to clean or replace the furnace filters in your furnace or air handler. This should be done whenever the filters appear clogged with dust or at least twice a year. Ignoring this simple maintenance task can lead to restricted airflow, decreased efficiency of your AC unit, and the undesirable circulation of dust back into your home. Think of your air filters as the respiratory system of your cooling unit; keeping them clean ensures your air conditioner operates smoothly, keeping your home comfortably cool throughout the summer.

Clean and Inspect Vents

Air vents, whether on the floors, walls, or ceiling, play a crucial role in distributing cool air throughout your home. Over time, air vents can accumulate pet hair, spider webs, and layers of dust, hindering airflow and reducing your AC’s efficiency. To ensure your home stays refreshingly cool, it’s important to give those vents some attention. Without removing the vents, use the hose attachment of your household or shop vacuum to gently remove the debris. This quick and easy task will help your air conditioner operate optimally, keeping you comfortable and maintaining pristine indoor air quality throughout the summer.

Breathe Fresh with Clean Ducts

Cleaning your air ducts is essential, but it should only be done when necessary. Certain situations call for it, such as detecting unpleasant odors, finding mold or mildew, or discovering animals that didn’t make it out. Additionally, recent home remodeling could be a reason to clean your ducts. In these cases, hiring a professional to clean your ducts is advisable. This ensures your air conditioner operates efficiently and that the air in your home remains clean and fresh.

Clean the Inside Unit

To keep your indoor air conditioning unit efficient, clean it regularly. Here’s a quick guide:

Access Panel Removal: Begin by taking off the access panel from the indoor AC unit to gain access to its internal components.
Evaporator Coil Cleaning: Over time, evaporator coils can gather dirt and debris. Use a foaming coil cleaner to thoroughly clean them. The foam will break down the buildup, which will then fall into the drain pan.
Drain Pan and Pipe Cleaning: The drain pan and pipe can become obstructed with hard water deposits and debris. To avoid water backups, clean these parts using a bleach and water solution.

Clean Debris Around the Condenser

Your outdoor condensing unit is exposed to the elements year-round, making it prone to collecting debris that can reduce its efficiency. Before the summer heat arrives, it’s essential to give this unit some attention. Begin by clearing away any visible debris, such as fallen branches, grass clippings, trash, and overgrown plants from both on and around the unit. By taking a few minutes to clean up the area around your outdoor unit, you’ll help it operate more smoothly, ensuring your home stays refreshingly cool and efficient throughout the summer.

Check Coolant Lines

It’s important to inspect the coolant lines. These lines are usually insulated with foam coolant line insulation to prevent energy loss. As part of your pre-summer AC maintenance, carefully inspect this insulation. If you notice any frayed or missing sections, it’s time for a quick repair. You can restore the insulation by installing new foam insulation sleeves or wrapping the lines with foam insulation tape.

Optimize Comfort and Savings

Thermostat Programming

Consider setting your thermostat to a comfortable 26 degrees when you’re at home, allowing you to enjoy a cool environment without overburdening your AC system. When you’re not at home, set your thermostat to a higher temperature, around 31 degrees Celsius. This helps your air conditioning system run more efficiently by not cooling an empty house unnecessarily.

By adopting this straightforward strategy, you can maintain a comfortable home while also saving on energy costs, making your summer both pleasant and economical.

Consider Unit Replacement

If your air conditioner has been serving your home for a decade or more, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Most AC units are designed to last 10 to 15 years, and with advances in technology, newer models are becoming more energy-efficient.

Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient AC unit can provide several benefits. You’ll not only experience the reliability of a newer system but also potentially enjoy significant savings on your cooling costs.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Just as your car requires regular check-ups to operate smoothly, your air conditioner also benefits from annual HVAC maintenance. As you prepare for the summer months, remember to schedule a professional tune-up with a qualified technician in the spring.

This yearly maintenance is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps reduce your energy bills by ensuring your system runs at peak efficiency. Secondly, it allows technicians to identify and address any potential issues early on, preventing costly repairs in the future.

Advantages Of Preparing Your Air Conditioner For Summer

• Energy Savings: A well-prepared system operates more efficiently, leading to cost savings on your summer energy bills.
• Peace of Mind: Be confident and prepared for the warmer weather ahead, knowing your air conditioner is ready to perform.
• Reduced Breakdown Risk: Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected air conditioner failures, preventing unplanned discomfort and costs.
• Extended Lifespan: Taking proper care of your AC unit can enhance its lifespan, safeguarding your investment and ensuring dependable performance.

How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner Unit for Summer

Preparing your air conditioner for summer is essential for maintaining a cool, comfortable home and saving on energy costs. By following these steps—cleaning filters, inspecting vents, checking coolant lines, and more—you can ensure your AC runs efficiently all season long. Remember, a well-maintained air conditioner not only improves air quality but also extends the lifespan of your unit.

Ready to upgrade or replace your AC unit? Experience the Furnace Store difference, where Canada shops for HVAC. Explore our range of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and garage heaters, and take advantage of our easy payment options and Canada-wide free shipping.