How To Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

As warmer temperatures approach, it’s time to make sure your air conditioning system is ready to keep your home comfortable. Taking steps to prepare your AC for summer not only ensures efficient cooling when you need it most but also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during heat waves.

At G&G Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve helped Olympia homeowners care for their cooling systems since 1984. In this blog, we will share tips to help you get your air conditioner ready for summer!

Why Preparing Your AC for Summer Matters

Before diving into specific maintenance tasks, let’s understand why proper preparation is crucial. Many homeowners simply turn on their air conditioning units when the first hot day arrives without considering that these systems have been dormant for months. This sudden demand on an unprepared system can lead to:

• Poor cooling efficiency
• High energy bills
• Unnecessary strain on components
• Shortened system lifespan
• Poor indoor air quality
• Potential system failures during extreme heat

Taking time to prepare your AC for summer can help you avoid these issues and ensure your system runs smoothly all season long. Let’s look at some essential steps every homeowner should take:

Replace Your AC Unit’s Air Filter

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prepare your AC for summer is replacing the air filter. This often-overlooked component plays a crucial role in your air conditioning system’s performance and your home’s air quality.

Why Clean Filters Matter

A blocked filter limits airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to distribute cool air. This can lead to:

• Higher energy consumption
• Reduced cooling capacity
• Potential damage to the evaporator coil
• Increased wear on the blower motor
• Poor air quality in your home

How To Replace Your Filter

1. Turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat
2. Locate your filter (typically found in the return air duct or at the indoor air handler unit)
3. Note the size and type before removing the old filter
4. Check the airflow direction arrow on the new filter frame
5. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing towards the HVAC unit/blower motor
6. Secure the filter cover or access panel

For optimal summer air conditioning performance, check your filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months. You may need to replace it more often if you have pets or family members with allergies.

Clean Your Indoor Unit

If you have a heat pump system, cleaning your indoor unit is an important step to prepare your AC for summer. Over time, dust and debris accumulate on the evaporator coil and blower assembly, reducing efficiency and potentially causing water leakage issues.

Safety First

Before attempting any cleaning of your indoor unit:

• Turn off power to your system at both the thermostat and circuit breaker
• Allow the unit to cool completely if it’s been running (wait at least 5 hours)
• Use appropriate safety equipment like gloves and eye protection

Indoor Unit Cleaning Steps

1. Remove the access panel to your indoor unit
2. Inspect the evaporator coil for grime and dust buildup
3. Use a soft brush to gently remove loose debris
4. Apply a manufacturer-approved coil cleaner following product instructions
5. Check the condensate drain pan and drain line for any clogs
6. Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean the drain pan and pour down the drain line
7. Clean all the filters with a vacuum or by rinsing them with clear water

Remember that the evaporator coil fins are delicate. If you’re uncomfortable performing this maintenance yourself, our trained technicians can include this in a professional maintenance visit.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condensing unit endures harsh winter conditions, collecting debris that can impact cooling efficiency. Preparing your outdoor unit is a critical step to get your air conditioner ready for summer.

Outdoor Unit Cleaning Steps

1. Cut power to the unit at the thermostat and the electrical disconnect box
2. Remove the protective cover if you used one during winter
3. Remove large debris like leaves, twigs, and trash from the top and sides
4. Open the unit by removing top or side panels
5. Vacuum the fins gently
6. Use a garden hose with moderate pressure to clean the fins further
7. Straighten any bent fins using a fin comb (available at most hardware stores)
8. Check the refrigerant lines for damage

What to Avoid

• Never use a pressure washer, which can damage the delicate fins
• Don’t use harsh chemicals that could cause corrosion
• Do not use soap, as it can leave a residue that attracts dust
• Avoid bending the fins with aggressive brushing
• Never run the system while the panels are removed

Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

For optimal summer air conditioning performance, your outdoor unit needs proper airflow. As part of your effort to prepare your AC for summer, ensure the condensing unit has good clearance on all sides.

Clearance Tips

• Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the unit
• Ensure 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit
• Keep branches, shrubs, and plants trimmed back
• Consider relocating outdoor furniture that might restrict airflow

By ensuring proper clearance, you’ll improve unit efficiency and extend the life of your AC system.

Set Your Thermostat for Summer Temps

Programming your thermostat is an often overlooked step to prepare your AC for summer. Optimal thermostat settings can significantly reduce your cooling costs while maintaining comfort.

Summer Programming Tips

1. Set higher temperatures when no one is home (about 78 degrees Fahrenheit)
2. Program the system to start cooling 30 minutes before you return home
3. Raise temperature settings at night when you’re in bed
4. Consider a setback of 7-10 degrees when away for long periods
5. Use the “auto” fan setting rather than “on” to reduce humidity and save energy

Smart Thermostat Benefits

If you haven’t upgraded to a smart programmable thermostat, summer is the perfect time. These devices:

• Adapt to your schedule
• Offer remote control via smartphone apps
• Provide energy usage reports and maintenance reminders
• Integrate with home automation systems

Our technicians can recommend and install a smart thermostat as part of your summer AC prep.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While DIY steps are helpful in preparing your AC for summer, professional maintenance ensures your system receives a comprehensive inspection and service. Our trained technicians perform tasks that require specialized tools and expertise.

Professional Maintenance Benefits

• Thorough inspection of electrical components and connections
• Professional cleaning of difficult-to-access parts
• Refrigerant level check and adjustment if needed
• Calibration of thermostat for efficient temperature control
• Lubrication of moving parts to reduce friction
• Detection of small issues before they become expensive repairs

Ideal Timing for Maintenance

Schedule your professional maintenance in spring before the first heat wave arrives. This timing ensures your system is ready when you need it most and allows for any necessary repairs before the peak cooling season.

We Can Help You Get Ready for Summer Heat

By following these steps to prepare your AC for summer, you’ll enjoy more consistent cooling, lower energy bills, and fewer system breakdowns.

At G&G Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re committed to helping Olympia homeowners enjoy reliable, efficient cooling all summer long. Our certified technicians provide thorough air conditioning services that keep your system in top shape. Contact us today to schedule professional maintenance and keep your home comfortable all summer long.