In this era of global warming, air conditioners have become a permanent part of every home. At the same time, people are seen using the same device for five to ten years. During this time, cooling machines suffer from various conditions, like repair and AC maintenance service. You must consider a few things when you turn it on at the start of every summer. In the following passages, we will see AC startup tips before the arrival of hot days. So, make your summer season and especially your vacations comfortable with us.
The best AC startup tips
Following some AC startup tips is essential, as it will help you prolong your AC’s life and remain healthy throughout the season. On the other hand, paying attention to these tips can cost you a lot regarding AC repair or purchasing a new one. The following passages contain these tips, so the scorching heat may not bother you.
1. Check the circuit breaker
The first tip among the AC startup tips is to see the circuit breaker. Most circuit breakers trip during the winter season. At the same time, another possibility is that you turned it off, so during the spring day, flipping it will help you know whether the circuit breaker is functioning. Moreover, you will have time to repair it before the hot days.
2. Make the outdoor unit clean
If trees or bushy plants surround your outdoor unit, this strategy is essential for you to follow. Fall and winter seasons make the trees and plants drop their leaves, which is why the blockage in your outer unit is blocked. If no tree is there to block the unit parts, debris or dust will perform the honest duty of making the unit unclean. So, consider cleaning the outdoor unit whenever you plan to start your AC upon the arrival of summer.
Q. What if I ignore cleaning the outdoor unit?
Cleaning outdoor units is essential because a dirty or debris-filled unit makes the device work harder to cool the space—the hard work of an AC results in a prominent increase in the electric bill.
3. Check the air filter
Air filters are considered the respiratory system of cooling machines, so ignoring the air filter inspection will not let it breathe well. All you need to do is remove and clean the air filter or replace it according to the requirement.
Q. After how many days should I change the air filter?
Experts and companies recommend changing the air filter after every 45 days. It also depends on your usage. If the usage is less, people use filters for 90 days but clean them often.
4. Clean the air vents
After filter inspection, the next tip is to clean the supply and return the grill and air vents. A good practice is to cover them thoroughly at the start of winter if you can’t! Do clean it on a priority basis. Grab a rag and remove any dust over them. First, it will improve the device’s performance, and second, you will not be at risk of allergies and cold problems.
Q. Are dirty air vents in the AC responsible for respiratory issues?
You might get upper respiratory infections due to dirty air vents, making you feel worse than usual and exhibiting symptoms including headaches, low-grade fevers, runny noses, congestion, and coughing.
5. Inspect ductwork
Ignoring the ducts will let your device consume a significant amount of energy. So, inspect the duct on a must-to-do basis; fix it if you find any flaws. We must realize that inefficiencies in our home structure and cooling systems are a significant source of energy loss through ductwork worldwide.
Q. What are the two primary categories of duct cleaning tools used?
The two significant pieces of equipment used to clean ducts are rotary brushes and push/pull vacuum systems. Systems with rotating brushes also have vacuum cleaners. These devices remove debris, such as dust, from your air duct.
6. Observe refrigerant lines
Ensure the examination of refrigerant lines, including proper insulation, for enhanced air conditioner efficiency. This step is crucial to identify leaks or impairment in the lines. Environmental factors and animals can harm the insulation covering the sizable copper pipe of the unit. It’s essential to have a skilled HVAC technician address this before using the cooling system. Expert assistance is necessary for any refrigerant or insulation repairs.
7. Inspect the blower fan blades
Next, and one of the most essential tips, is checking the blower fan. It is possible to encounter debris over there, so thoroughly vacuum it and wipe it down. Another good practice you should make here is lubricating the motor and tightening the mounting belt to keep the device healthy.
8. See if there is electrical wiring damage
Many people around the world face electric wiring damage in their air conditioners. If you find any issues related to this field, you may suffer cooling problems with a significant repair cost. At the same time, if you notice anything unfavorable with the device, you prefer to call an expert rather than repair an AC by yourself.
Q. Can a power surge damage my device?
A power surge can harm your compressor, ruin your capacitors, and burn cables and fuses. After an electrical surge, your air conditioner could occasionally operate normally. It could, however, malfunction and stop working in a short period.
9. Examine the condenser unit
Throughout the winter, your exterior condenser unit has remained dormant. It is necessary to physically examine air conditioning condenser coils since they might become blocked with leaves, dirt, and other debris. Look for any damage or debris that may have developed throughout the winter on the outside unit and its condenser.
Additionally, inspect the unit for any missing exterior panels. The purpose of an air conditioner’s outer panels is to cover and shield the electrical connections from the environment.
10. Check the thermostat on your device
Now, it is time to take the final step and enjoy the changed climate with the help of an air conditioner. Thermostat settings decide whether your device can perform well or not. If you keep playing the device in the winter, alter the settings from heat to cool. At the same time, if the device does not function in cold weather, check the different signs displayed on the thermostat, set them according to your needs, and enjoy the cool climate.
Final thoughts
The AC startup tips you read here are simple if you follow them yourself, but the best practice is to call an expert to inspect your device. Let him maintain your device because the expert will deeply observe all the settings. He will check everything, from the circuit breaker to the thermostat setting. Finally, he will let you know if any device part needs to be repaired or changed.