When the temperature rises, don\u2019t be caught in the hot summer heat! The last thing you want on the first really hot day of summer is to find your central air conditioner doesn\u2019t work. But, this can be the case if you don\u2019t do a bit of quick annual maintenance before summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time in Melbourne to get your air conditioner ready for summer.<\/p>\n
A central air conditioner utilizes an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor. The condenser unit is typically located outdoors. This is the portion of your air conditioning unit that you\u2019ll want to clean and maintain. Your air conditioner has been sitting idle during the cold winter months collecting leaves and other debris. Replacing the filters, cleaning the condenser, and performing a few minor checks will get your AC unit into shape so it\u2019s ready to operate and cool your home efficiently this summer.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how to get your air conditioner ready for summer<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Safety First<\/strong> 2. Clean or Replace the Filters<\/strong> 3. Clean the Air Conditioner\u2019s Condenser Coils<\/strong> To clean the coils:<\/strong> 4. Clean and Clear Debris<\/strong> 5. Check the Coolant Lines<\/strong>
\nTurn off the circuit breaker before working on your air conditioning system. Be sure to turn off the power to the condenser at the service panel before working on your air conditioner unit. The condenser also typically has a 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box located near the unit. This contains a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker to shut off the condenser. Be sure to turn this off as well.<\/p>\n
\nClean or replace your furnace or air-handler filters whenever they begin to looked clogged with dust. Or, at least twice a year. Not changing these filters will restrict air flow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Dust filters also recirculate dust into your home.<\/p>\n
\nClean your air conditioning unit\u2019s condenser coils and fan of debris. A central air conditioner\u2019s condenser unit, typically located outdoors. It is a large fan in a metal box with sides that look like grilles. If your condenser unit was covered during the winter, uncover it. In this case, there\u2019s likely not much debris to clear away. If it wasn\u2019t covered, you\u2019ll likely need to clear away a larger accumulation of leaves, yard debris and dirt. Make sure the fan is free and clear of all debris. Next, check inside the box. Air moves across radiator-style condenser coils. Check to see if debris has clogged the coils. If so, these coils need to be cleaned so your condenser unit works at it\u2019s highest efficiency.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Remove the side and top panels or protective grilles from the condenser unit. Note: Double check to make certain the power to the condenser unit is turned off.
\n\u2022 Lift off the top. The fan may be attached to it making it heavy. Note: Don\u2019t tug any of the wires connected to the fan.
\n\u2022 Using a refrigerator coil brush or a soft brush on a vacuum, gently clean the coils from the outside of the unit. After you clean the outside, vacuum coils from the inside. Note: Be careful not to bend the delicate fins or damage the coils.<\/p>\n
\nClear all leaves and debris out of the base of the condenser. If your air conditioning unit has a drain, make sure the drain is clear. Clean the blower\u2019s fan blades using a vacuum or a rag. Clean up any excess water inside the unit. Once everything is cleared and cleaned, reassemble the condenser.<\/p>\n
\nRefrigerant tubes or pipes run from your air conditioner\u2019s evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside. These lines are usually covered with a foam coolant line insulation. Check to see if there are areas where the insulation is frayed or missing. If so, replace it with new foam insulation sleeves, or wrap the lines in a spiral fashion with foam insulation tape.<\/p>\n