Summer is heating up, which means that most of us are about to turn to our AC systems to help cool us off during those sweltering days and muggy evenings that are a given when you live in the Northern Virginia area. But if your AC system has been sitting idle since last summer, you might want to hold off on cranking up that temperature – at least until you’ve checked that everything is running the way it’s meant to run.
Here’s how to get your AC summer-ready.
Check for damage or wear and tear
Any system that’s exposed to the elements will suffer wear and tear over time, especially during harsh conditions. Give your unit a once-over to check that your coolant lines, ducts and outside coils are in good shape, and that your system hasn’t suffered any damage over the winter season. Damaged coolant lines should be replaced, and ducts patched with suitable tape. A quick spray-down with a hose should do the trick for dirty outside units.
Check and replace your filters
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again and again — change out those filters! Dust is a fact of life. Before running your system, check, replace or update your filters to ensure that you’re not circulating dust throughout your home. Clean filters also help your AC run more efficiently, saving you money along with wear and tear on your system. They’re cheap to buy and easy to replace, so there’s no excuse for skipping this simple maintenance step.
Spruce up your yard
What does yard work have to do with your AC? Grass, seeds, plants and leaves can work their way into your system, causing damage and reducing the lifespan of your system. Once you’re done cleaning up the system itself, clean up the area. This includes getting rid of grime and mud, as well as checking the concrete slab for damage or sloping. One bonus tip? If your pets have access to the unit, consider fencing it off. This will help keep out birds and other wildlife as well.
Book your annual maintenance checkup
There’s only so much you can know about the inner workings of your system from the outside. Before cranking up your AC, schedule a professional maintenance checkup to diagnose any problem – or potential ones – and get them sorted before they become a costly issue.
At Shaw Services we know that you have a lot on your plate, which is why we’ve created our annual maintenance service agreement. Simply sign up, and we’ll make sure that your system is checked and ready to go before the heat hits – each and every year.