What’s better than the feeling of ice-cold A/C blasting in your face, especially during a scorching Texas summer? During an intense heat wave, of which we will soon experience many, you may not think that there’s any such thing as too much A/C. You may also notice that your A/C might be working overtime to compensate for the beating sun this year.
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your air conditioner is in tip-top shape and ready to take on the year’s battle: summer! Below, we will illustrate a step-by-step plan on how you can get your air conditioner and home ready to ride out the heat.
Get your air conditioner ready!
Be careful! It is of the utmost importance to always turn off the circuit breaker before taking a peep at your air conditioning system. Skipping this step can result in severe bodily harm which would otherwise be preventable. Powering off the condenser is very important as well–there is a disconnect box located close to your unit in which you will find a lever, circuit breaker, or fuses that you must use to shut the unit off.
Replace filters. We saved the easiest for first. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to help out your air conditioner in the face of summer is to make sure that its air filters are cleaned or replaced. Dirty and clogged air filters hinder airflow, which hinders your unit as a whole and can make inhabitants suffer from poor air conditioning when they need it most.
Clean debris. Next up, it can make a world of difference to clean up debris from the outside unit. Leaves, sticks, and branches can clog up and restrict airflow and effectiveness past a certain point. Make sure that the fan isn’t obstructed by leaves or dirt. Going a step further, you can crack open the box and check on the condenser coils, which mimic the look of radiator-style coils. If the coils seem dirty or obstructed, it’s time to call a specialist.
Clean the blades. Using a rag, duster, or vacuum, clean up the blades on the outside unit. These can build up quite a thick layer of dirt and dust which can migrate into more sensitive areas if not taken care of every once in a while.
Check coolant lines. There are some tubes that run to the outside unit which carry refrigerant. These are usually insulated with a foam coolant line insulation that resembles a pool noodle. Check the insulation to make sure there aren’t holes, frays, or other imperfections. These can be easy to replace or fix: simply rewrap them with a new insulation sleeve or use foam insulation tape.
Get an inspection and tune-up. No one knows an HVAC system like a tried and true technician. During a tune-up, our skilled techs will clean the condenser coils, measure and recharge refrigerants, check electrical components, lubricate moving parts, clean the condensate drain, and many other services. These tune-ups are crucial to making sure that your HVAC system is in good shape to be able to take on the summer. Not only do regular tune-ups help with the now, but they help with the later as well. With regular tune-ups, technicians can find and assess any problems that may unfold in the future and help prevent costly repairs and frustrating AC shutdowns when you need them most.
Call us
The best thing to do for your HVAC system, of course, is to consult a professional. Do you feel like your A/C is trudging along, isn’t as efficient as before, or is acting up? Start right here by giving us a call here at Tri-Point Refrigeration and we would be ecstatic to take a look at your unit, as well as give you some tips to summer-proof your home! Reducing the pressure on your A/C unit will ensure its longevity, as well as protect your wallet from costly repairs or replacements.
We’re excited to help you along the way, and with regular servicing, we can keep your equipment running smoothly and healthily, while also extending the reach of your dollar.
For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at https://www.tripointrefrigeration.com
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