Follow These 7 AC Steps to Prep Your Unit for Spring
We’re over the “hump” when it comes to winter, and spring may finally be on the horizon. Most homeowners aren’t thinking about firing up the AC to keep things cool, which is the perfect time to look at your AC. There are a few things you can do now when you don’t need to keep it running, that can help prepare you for summer when it will start to work overtime.
Compare Your SEER Rating
How old is your air conditioner? All modern AC units have what is known as a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER rating.
Minimum SEER ratings have been going up for years, so while it’s not illegal to own a SEER rating that’s lower than the state-required amount, it does mean you might to consider an upgrade if you’re below contemporary standards. In Missouri, the current minimum is 13, but higher is better!
Consider Upgrading To Central
You might have an older home with central heating, but it didn’t have a central AC unit installed, so you’re still on window units. Think about retiring those window units and graduating to a full, central HVAC system. Not only is it more energy efficient, but it also adds value to your property!
Ensure It’s Not Frozen
If you have a central HVAC system, you’ve got a condenser somewhere outside your home. Check to make sure that it’s not frozen. If it is, this is going to affect your performance. Never run or test an AC unit if it’s still frozen.
Check the Thermostat
If you’ve been using your thermostat to keep things warm during the winter, you might want to start thinking about making the switch to cooling.
If you haven’t used your thermostat at all during the winter, make sure it’s still working, so you can turn on your AC when summer arrives! Without a working thermostat, you’ll have a harder time controlling your AC.
Inspect the Refrigerant
The refrigerant or coolant is a gas that remains tightly sealed inside the condenser itself. It’s a crucial part of the chemical reaction that cools a home, but it’s not “fuel,” in that doesn’t burn up. So you shouldn’t “run out” of refrigerant. Make sure you’ve still got some, otherwise you have our next problem.
Check for Leaks
Refrigerant amounts should remain constant in an air conditioner, so you’re not supposed to worry about it “running out” and needing a refill. Check to make sure that your condenser has no leaks because if it does, you’ll likely need a professional to replenish your refrigerant supply.
Inspect the Ducts
You can either do this yourself or have a professional do it for you. Your ducts run throughout the home and are responsible for ensuring cool air gets into every room.
Check your ducts for breaks, ruptures or even obstructions inside the ductwork itself. Better yet, have a professional conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning to ensure you’ve got no contaminants inside that will get blown around the house when you start up the AC this summer.
When things get hot in St. Louis, MO you want to stay cool at home or at work. Make sure the HVAC systems in your building are ready to keep things comfortable for another hot summer season.
