Getting Your Central A/C System Ready

Before we know it, the hot weather will be upon us, and our air conditioning units will be used to the max. So, now might be a good time to get it cleaned up and ready for use. Although you should ideally have your central a/c system serviced every year, you can still do your part to keep it well maintained. Here are a few ways to do it:

The outside unit will no doubt have gathered all kinds of dirt and debris around it, so cleaning that up is a good place to start. Next, remove the cover of the unit. You should see hundreds of metal fins surrounding piping coils. The fins have a tendency to bend really easily, but you can straighten them back out again using a tool called a fin comb. You may want to consider oiling the motor, but before you do, make sure you check what type of oil you should use in the operator’s manual.

For the a/c unit to work properly, water must be able to drain from it, so check its drainage lines to make sure they are not blocked up and then ensure they are attached securely to the unit.

When an air conditioning units’ filters are dirty, it will not only produce bad air quality inside the home, but it will also place extra strain on the units’ motors. Check the air conditioning units’ filters. If they are dirty, you will need to wash them or replace them altogether.