7 Ways to Get Your AC Ready for Summer

7 Ways to Get Your AC Ready for Summer

Spring is almost over, and those hot summer days are just around the corner. Is your air conditioner in Mendota ready?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your AC a whole lot of thought during the winter months or when a cool spring rolls through. Even though it’s not in use, your AC parts can wear out, and your cooling system may need a little bit of TLC to ensure that it will work properly this summer.

The Mendota HVAC experts at Triple Service are always here as your go-to solution for all of your air conditioning needs in North Central Illinois. Our team also put together a few easy tips to get your air conditioner ready for summer!

1) Clean Up the Condenser Coils and Evaporator

Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker box before cleaning your air conditioner. You’ll avoid accidental injury and ensure your safety while doing your seasonal cleaning. To access the coils, you’ll need to remove the front cover. Carefully clean the inside of the unit by using a brush or dry cloth.

2) Clean Your Outdoor Unit

During the winter months, debris, including leaves, branches, and trash, can accumulate around your AC’s outdoor condenser unit. This debris prevents the system from functioning properly, so make sure to clear it out before firing it up. Remove loose debris by hand and clear off your unit’s frame. You can also use a garden to clean the unit’s exterior.

As a rule of thumb, make sure there is at least 2 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit to ensure that it has plenty of room to breathe. If you’re using landscaping or some type of container to disguise the outdoor unit, create plenty of space around it so nothing gets in the way of its proper operation.

3) Replace Your AC Filter

Your air conditioner’s filter is responsible for catching dust, dander, and other airborne debris when the system is in use. Clogged filters force your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home, potentially circulating more of those particles throughout your home. As a result, you’ll end up with higher energy bills, a less efficient air conditioner, and poor air quality. Make it part of your seasonal cleaning to replace the filter every spring and fall, or according to your AC manufacturer’s recommendation.

Not sure if your filter really needs to be replaced? Try the light test. Hold the filter up to the light to see if the rays pass through. If you can’t see light through the filter, you definitely need to replace it.

4) Wipe Down Your Vents

Dirt and pollutants can clog your vents and make it difficult to keep your home cool. Dirty vents can also compromise your air quality and aggravate respiratory illnesses and allergies. Spray a microfiber cloth with water to dust your vents. If necessary, you can also use a paintbrush or a clean toilet brush to remove debris. 

5) Program Your Thermostat

When your air conditioner isn’t in use, it’s normal for your thermostat settings to change. Whether you’re experimenting with new settings, accidentally setting your AC for warm temperatures, or experiencing a power outage, your thermostat should be programmed each season. You’ll save yourself aggravation and can keep an eye on your energy consumption and utility bills.

6) Test Your Air Conditioner

Make sure to test your air conditioner before you power everything up for the season. It’s normal to smell something odd or hear some strange noises. But if anything unusual persists, you need a service appointment from an AC expert. Give the team at Triple Service a call! It’s possible you need an AC repair or have something wrong with your mini split system that will only grow worse if you keep running your unit throughout the summer. 

7) Schedule an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Spring is the perfect time to have an AC tune-up for your cooling system. In addition to performing basic air conditioner maintenance, your technician will take a close look at the entire system to ensure there aren’t any existing or potential problems. Tune-ups prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and protect your investment.

Call Triple Service for All of Your AC Maintenance Needs

If you’re in need of an air conditioner tune-up, trust the experts at Triple Service, Inc. We’ll carefully examine your air conditioner and address any problems we find. We’ll also let you know if it might be time to upgrade to a newer system.

For the best air conditioner maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation, give us a call now! We’re here as a one-stop solution to all of your North Central Illinois air conditioning needs.