Have you started creating your spring cleaning to-do list yet? Be sure to add an air conditioner checkup to your tasks. While the weather in Central Wisconsin might not yet be indicative of warmer days to come, spring is right around the corner. And when it arrives, you’ll want to make sure your a/c unit is clean and in proper working order before you crank it up.
To help you get started with your spring air conditioner maintenance, the heating and cooling experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating share an eight-step checklist below.
Air Conditioner Maintenance: Outdoor Components
You’ll have to wait for a halfway decent day to perform a thorough checkup and cleaning on the outdoor components of your air conditioning system. If you have a ground unit, you can try to tackle the job by yourself, but if you have an on-roof unit, only a professional should handle it.
When you have some time to spare on a sunny afternoon, here’s what you’ll need to do to maintain your air conditioner:
● Clear debris around the condenser. Debris can accumulate quickly around the unit’s condenser and interfere with its performance. Start by removing any loose debris from around the unit and if there’s foliage or grass within a two-foot radius, trim it back.
● Inspect and clean the condenser unit. Remove the air conditioner’s outer cover so you can access the interior fins. Use a vacuum to remove any dirt and debris on the unit’s fins and spray them with a coil cleaner to break up stuck-on gunk. After you let the cleaner sit, gently rinse the fins with a garden hose to make sure they’re clean.
● Inspect the fins. Fins can bend with even minimal pressure, and any degree of damage can negatively affect their functionality. Inspect the fins for signs of damage and if possible, gently straighten any that are bent.
● Balance the unit. Assess whether the a/c unit is properly balanced. You can use a standard level to test this. If it’s off-kilter, the tilt can affect coolant flow, which will result in a/c performance issues. If you measure even a small degree of tilt, adjust the unit until it’s level.
Air Conditioner Checkup: Indoor Components
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for a sunny day to give the indoor components of your air conditioner a thorough checkup and cleaning. To get started, here’s what you should do:
● Evaporator coil cleaning. You should be able to see an A-shaped component above your unit’s blower motor. That’s the evaporator coil. Use a soft brush to gently clean the coil and if there’s any stuck-on gunk, spray it with a coil cleaner. Let excess cleaner run into the drip pan and then clean out the pan, too.
● Inspect and clean the drain line. Drain lines can develop mold or algae over time, so inspect the line for signs of organic growths. If you notice anything, you can use a wet/dry vac to clean it, but do so delicately. Call a heating and cooling professional for a/c service if you’re not comfortable doing this.
● Adjust water supply to the humidifier. Not all air conditioning systems have humidifiers, but if yours does, it’s usually best to turn the water supply to the humidifier off before heavy summer use.
● Change the filter. If you haven’t changed your HVAC filter recently, spring is a great time to do so. Remember to replace the filter at regular intervals throughout the year to keep your HVAC system running optimally.
Need Air Conditioner Repair or Maintenance in Wisconsin Rapids?
If you’re ready to get your air conditioner ready for summer, get in touch with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. We can thoroughly inspect your unit, clean it up, perform any necessary air conditioning repairs, and ensure the system is prepared for heavy use. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online. You can also contact us with any questions, and we’ll be in touch!