5 Ways to Prepare Your AC for Summer

Your air conditioner will likely work when you turn it on for the first time in months, but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing and leave it be. When your air conditioner sits for months, dust and debris collect and that should be cleared before it runs consistently. This ensures the unit runs at peak efficiency, prevents unnecessary repairs, and extends the lifespan of the unit.

Below are 5 ways to prepare your air conditioner for summer. If you aren’t comfortable taking care of any of these steps or need some extra guidance, always call a professional!

1. Safety First

Before you do anything, make sure to cut the power to the air conditioner. This ensures the unit does not turn on when you’re working on it, keeping you and the unit safe. Most air conditioners have a switch near the outdoor unit, usually in a metal box.

2. Clean or Replace the Filters

At an absolute minimum, your AC filter needs to be changed before the summer season. Changing your filter before the season will undoubtedly lower your energy bill. These filters are very inexpensive and could be saving you hundreds of dollars per season. In addition, changing your filters on a regular basis prolongs the lifespan of your system, prevents breakdowns, and keeps your AC unit and vents clean.

3. Clean and Clear Debris

While our winters are quite mild here in Aurora, Colorado, it is inevitable our outdoor units will accumulate leaves, dust and debris throughout Winter. It is very important you clear any debris that may get into the unit. You can spray the sides of the unit and the area around the unit with a hose, wipe the fan blades with a damp rag, and vacuum the coils with a vacuum brush attachment. This simple step will keep your unit running efficiently and help prevent a freeze-up.

4. Program your Thermostat

Another great way to get your air conditioner ready for Summer is to program your thermostat beyond simply setting the temperature. It’s best to set the temperature a few degrees higher during the day, helping your unit not work so hard to cool your home when the outdoor temperature is at its highest. Many thermostats now allow you to set an “away” temperature, which should be a few degrees higher than your “day” temperature. This can be used when you are gone for days at a time, or even during a normal weekday when no one is home.

5. Talk to a Pro

While this is not absolutely necessary, it is always a good idea to have a professional inspect, clean and tune-up your AC unit. A professional HVAC technician will ensure the unit runs at peak efficiency throughout the summer season and does not need any repairs. Even better, they can provide tips on maintaining the unit yourself.

Here in Colorado, we experience some very high temperatures and really put our air conditioners to the test. Make sure your AC unit is ready for Summer! Contact Grand Home Services online or give us a call for an AC tune-up, cleaning, or even emergency repair. We are located in Aurora and service the Denver Metro Area.