Winters in Florida are brief, but even a few weeks of disuse can strain an air conditioning system that is not properly prepped for summer. Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to pass a few simple checks and inspections that may keep you from sweating when warmer weather hits. Remember these important checks to help keep your cool.
Change the Air Filters
Air filters need to be changed once every 90 days. Otherwise, the accumulating dust, dander, and dirt will choke your air ventilation. The resulting poor air quality encourages seasonal allergies and poor health, as well as causing costly Orlando AC repairs.
Change the Batteries
Your CO detector and smoke alarms require a fresh set of batteries at least once a year. You do not want to discover too late that these household necessities are not functioning properly. Most alarms include a safety setting that beeps when the battery becomes low, but why wait?
Check Insulation
Now is a perfect time of year to repair and replace insulation before summer heat starts to kick in. Damaged insulation decreases the efficiency of your air conditioning in Orlando and leads to higher energy costs.
Program the Thermostat
A properly programmed thermostat can have a significant impact on your overall heating and cool costs. If you do not already own one, consider replacing your current thermostat with a programmable model. The cost is minimal, and the savings are noticeable.
Clean Your Drain Line
The excess water that condenses in your Orlando air conditioning unit needs to drain out through a condensation line on your outdoor unit. Over time, mold and algae can grow in this pipe, causing clogs that back up your system. Avoid costly AC repairs in Orlando by pouring a cup of bleach down the line. If a clog has already formed, try sucking it out with a shop vac.
Inspect Your Entire System
The best way to prevent difficult air conditioning repair in Orlando is to thoroughly inspect your entire system, indoors and out before the season starts. It will be better to notice a problem now, rather than in the peak of summer. In many cases, simply clearing away accumulated dirt and debris is all it takes to ensure a smoothly running system.Â
- Remove condenser covers or lids
- Clean unit panels
- Clear a 2-foot area around the unit
- Check refrigerant lines
- Check condenser coils
- Clean vents and grills
- Inspect air ducts
Run a Systems Check
Finding problems during a preliminary check in spring is preferable to what mind go wrong when the weather hits 90 degrees. The best way to confirm if your air conditioning in Orlando is running properly is, of course, to turn it on. Pick a warm day to switch your unit on and verify that everything seems to be running well.
Schedule a Check-Up
Always finish, of course, with a thorough evaluation from an Orlando AC repair professional. A certified expert will know to look for potential warnings of common failure problems and leave your system in confident running order. Now is even an excellent time for a consultative energy assessment to ensure that your home is running efficiently.