How to Prepare Your AC for Summer

The rise in temperature doesn’t have to mean extra stress on your AC unit or an increased energy cost for you. There are many DIY tips to help you maintain your AC unit for a successful cooling season.

According to the US Department of Energy, annual maintenance can improve your home comfort as well as the efficiency and lifespan of your unit.

1. Replace or clean your air filters
   Clogged filters have decreased efficiency and reduced ability to effectively cool the air. The Department of Energy recommends replacing filters every 1-2 months to keep your AC running smoothly.
   
   
2. Clean the outside
   To start, you’ll need to turn your thermostat off and locate the electrical disconnect (usually a metal box near your outside unit) to turn the power off. Once the unit is off, remove any large pieces of debris from the outside of the unit with gloves. For those harder to reach areas or for smaller debris, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to delicately vacuum the fins, without bending them. For any remaining debris, (such as grass or leaves), use a water hose to spray the outside of the unit. For dirtier units, spray the unit with a commercial coil cleaner and wait 10-15 minutes for the cleaner to foam. Once the cleaner is done foaming rinse the unit with a hose.
   
   
3. Clean the inside
   With the unit off, unscrew the top grille and lift the fan up and out, without disturbing the electrical wires. Once the fan is out, remove any debris that may be trapped within the fan area by hand, and then use a hose with moderate water pressure to spray the fins from the inside out. Reinstall the fan and screw the top grille back on.
   
   
4. Clean the drain line
   There can be a variety of drain setups depending on the size and location of your AC unit, but most drain lines are a PVC pipe located outside, near the condenser unit. With your thermostat and AC unit still off, locate a T-shaped vent with a cap covering the top of the drain. Remove this cap and check for a clog. If the clog is visible, remove manually with gloves or with a wet/dry vacuum. If it’s too far down, flush the drain line with ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar mixed with water. Wait for 30 minutes, and then flush the pipe out with water to ensure that water flows through. If it does not flow normally, it will need to be looked at by a trained technician.
   
   
5. Test Your A/C before summer
   After your unit is completely dry, turn the power back on so you can test that it is working properly. One of the busiest times of years for HVAC repair services is the first heat wave of the summer. By testing your A/C before it gets hot will help you avoid potentially being without a working A/C for a prolonged period of time.
   
   
6. Schedule an A/C Tune-up
   Home Service Plus offers a thorough 11-point air conditioner tune-up. Our trained technicians will maintain your A/C unit to ensure it performs at optimal efficiency. HSP has been trusted for over 80 years by Minnesotans to repair and maintain all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. Learn more about our tune-up service.

If your unit still isn’t cooling properly, then it’s time to call an HVAC technician. HSP has been trusted by Minnesotans for over 80 years to repair home-owners’ heating and cooling equipment. We can identify and repair issues related to: