Yes…Summer is Coming. Is Your AC Ready?
Jun 01, 2023 ● By Foley's Heating & Air
Presented by: Foley’s Heating & Air
Not long until temps start to rise both inside and out, and the last thing you want is to find out your AC unit is on the fritz. Be sure to add prepping your AC system for safe and functional operation before the mercury rises. Your system consists of the air exchange inside as part of your overall HVAC system and the condenser located outside.
1. Safety First
Turn off the circuit breaker to the AC system and the 240 volt disconnect box located near the condenser unit.
2. Clean or Replace the Filters
Broken record time, but at the very least change the filter each spring and fall.
3. Clean the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Coils
If you managed to cover the outside condenser unit over winter, your job will likely be easier. Nonetheless, make sure to clean the air conditioning unit’s condenser coils and fan of debris. Check to see if debris has clogged the coils. If so, these coils need to be cleaned.
To clean the coils:
• Remove the side and top panels or protective grilles.
• Lift off the top. The fan may be attached to it making it heavy. Don’t tug any of the wires connected to the fan.
• Using a refrigerator coil brush or a soft brush on a vacuum, gently clean the coils from the outside of the unit. After you clean the outside, vacuum coils from the inside. Be careful not to bend the delicate fins or damage the coils.
4. Check the Coolant Lines
Refrigerant tubes or pipes run from your air conditioner’s evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside. Check to see if there are areas where the insulation is frayed or missing. If so, replace it with new foam insulation sleeves, or wrap the lines with foam insulation tape.
5. Test the Unit
Test your newly cleaned air conditioning unit after allowing the unit to dry thoroughly. You’ll need to turn the power back on to your condenser unit.
Turn the power to the condenser back on by doing the following:
• Turn the thermostat off.
• Turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel.
• Switch the thermostat to cool.