Savannah, GA summers come with high heat and humidity that can make your home feel uncomfortable. This is when your air conditioner becomes a necessity. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until the first hot day of the season to turn on their AC units. This can result in equipment issues, including failure. Our team at Air Therm can help with preparing your air conditioner for summer.
Checking the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor AC condenser can experience a lot of wear and tear during the off-season. When spring arrives, this equipment should be checked for signs of damage. Clear away leaves, grass, weeds, moss, and garbage that have collected. You should always have at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit. This ensures optimal airflow when you turn your AC on.
Pollen, dirt, and dust can accumulate on the condenser coils. You don’t want to use high-pressure water for cleaning. Instead, use a gentle spray from the garden hose. If the fins appear bent or have rust on them, you should schedule a professional inspection.
Replacing the Air Filter
The filter inside your HVAC system serves different purposes. Primarily, it will trap particulate matter before it can accumulate on the interior components of your HVAC equipment and ductwork. This process also prevents contaminants from circulating into your home, which would decrease your indoor air quality.
Filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days. Installing a clean filter at the start of spring or summer is ideal as part of your AC preparation. It’s important to note that warm weather also brings high levels of pollen to the area. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, consider changing the filter more frequently.
Inspecting the Condensate Drain Line
As your air conditioner runs, it removes moisture from the air through a condensate drain line. Over time, this drain line can become clogged with sediment and mineral deposits. Look for signs that this is happening, such as water pooling near the drain or your indoor unit. Musty odors and your air conditioning equipment turning off unexpectedly are also signs of a clogged drain line. Cleaning the line involves using vinegar to remove and prevent algae and mineral accumulation. Having the assistance of a professional is a better choice when you need to deal with a stubborn clog.
Assessing Your Thermostat
Before summer arrives, change the batteries in your thermostat. This ensures that it is experiencing proper communication with your AC unit. Also, make sure you have switched it over from heating to cooling.
Evaluate the schedule that you have programmed into your thermostat (if you have such a model). Make sure the temperatures and times you are using are still relevant. Sometimes, adjusting by one or two degrees can save you a lot of money on your monthly utility bills. This also decreases the overuse of your AC and prevents frequent repairs.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat if you don’t have one. These devices do an exceptional job of ensuring efficiency while providing convenience.
Checking Vents and Registers
Go around your home and confirm that all vents and registers are open. If they are not, this can restrict airflow. You might notice certain areas of the home are warm and stuffy, while others are sufficiently cool. Airflow restriction can also cause the need for frequent air conditioning repairs and a shorter system lifespan.
Test Your Air Conditioning System
Before temperatures rise, turn on your air conditioner and confirm that it works. Cool air should come from each vent and register. You shouldn’t hear any loud noises during operation. Keep in mind, you may notice a slightly dusty smell coming from the vents when you run your system for the first time. This is normal and will stop within a few minutes. The smell is the result of dust and particulates accumulating on interior components over the winter when your AC wasn’t in use.
Here at Air Therm, we recommend that you get a professional inspection of your AC system before the start of summer in Savannah. Routine AC maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning interior components and connections, lubricating moving parts, and testing performance. Our team of technicians can help you get ready for warm weather with routine maintenance, necessary repairs, or the installation of new cooling equipment.
Do you want to make sure that your home remains comfortable this summer? Contact Air Therm in Savannah today to schedule an appointment.
