Spring is just around the corner, which means the weather will soon be warming up. When the temps inside your home or office are getting a little too high, there’s no doubt that you’re thankful for your islandaire air conditioner.
Here are some things that you are going to want to do before you turn your system on in order to ensure it runs safely and that it cools effectively. Be very mindful with the central air and chimneys in your home. Our proud partners over at air duct cleaning woodbridge can take care debris and much more.
Check the Condenser
The very first thing you are going to want to do is to check out the condenser, the part of your air conditioning system that is located outside. If you covered it over during the winter, take the cover off. If there’s anything around the condenser, such as twigs, branches, grass, or other vegetation or debris, clear it out. There shouldn’t be anything within 18 inches of the condenser so that it can properly breathe when the system is running.
Clean the Condenser Coils
If the condenser wasn’t covered during the winter, there’s a good chance that some debris collected within the coils. You’re going to want to clean out the debris to ensure that the unit functions properly. If there are any sticks, dirt, or dirt in the coils the flow of air will be obstructed, which will reduce the efficiency of the unit.
To clean the condenser coils, make sure the unit is shut off and remove the panels from the top and sides. If there isn’t much debris, running a hose over the coils should do the trick. However, if a lot of debris has accumulated or dirt is really caked on the coils, you’re going to want to give them a rub down with a soft bristled brush. Use caution, though; you don’t want to damage the coils or bend the fins. After you’ve brushed the coils off, spray them down with a hose.
Change the Filter
Head back inside and replace the filter on your air conditioning system. The filter plays a big role in how your ice air wshp functions, so you want to make sure that you put a new one in before firing it up for the season. It’s also a wise idea to inspect and replace the filter throughout the season. Experts recommend changing it out once every 4 weeks or so. When you put the new filter in, make sure that it is positioned properly.
Inspect the Coolant Lines
The refrigerant pipes that connect the evaporator to the condenser are likely covered with foam insulation. This insulation allows the pipes to retain energy. If you notice any spots where it is missing or damaged, repair or replace it. You can either install a foam insulation sleeve or wrap the pipes with foam insulation tape.
Turn the Breaker On
If you shut the breaker that powers your bosch air conditioner over the winter, make sure that you flip it back on. Obviously, the AC isn’t going to work if it isn’t receiving power.
Turn the Air Conditioning System On
After preparing the system, it’s time to turn it on. Adjust the thermostat so that it is set to “cool” and put the fan on “auto”. Turn the temperature down so that it’s about 68 degrees. Head outside and check the condenser to make sure that the fan within the unit is spinning. You should also listen to the compressor; it should make a soft hum. If it sounds excessively loud, clunky, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary, immediately shut the system down and contact a reputable HVAC professional. Something could be seriously wrong with the system, so you’ll want to have it checked out if you hear anything odd.
Things to Lookout For
Once your air conditioner is fired up and the weather turns warmer, it’s going to be working pretty hard. Issues can arise, so it’s important to keep tabs on the system to avoid serious trouble. Some of the things that you should be on the lookout for include:
- Water collecting on top of or underneath the furnace. While some condensation is normal, pooling water is a sign of trouble and can cause even more problems for the unit.
- Air that doesn’t seem as cool as it should. If the interior temperature in your home or office remains warm, despite the fact that your thermostat is turned way down, there’s a pretty good chance that something is wrong with the unit.
- Increased utility bills. It’s normal for your electricity bill to be a bit higher when you’re running your air conditioner; however, if the bill seems significantly higher than it usually is there could be an issue with the system.
If you notice any of these things or anything else that is concerning, you should contact a professional ptac install nyc company. Being proactive and having the system inspected and repaired by a pro will help you avoid having your system conk out on you in the middle of a heat wave.