What to Do Before Turning on Your Air Conditioning

While there may still be some chill in the air, it doesn’t mean the hot days of summer are far behind. The temperatures will soon be rising and we will be ready to flip the switch on our thermostats from heat to cool. But before we can do that, there are some steps that should be taken to prepare your air conditioner for the heavy workload of keeping your home cool and comfortable this summer.

Clean or Replace Filters

This is the easiest and one of the most overlooked steps to improving the performance of your air conditioner which is why we are listing it first. Air filters should be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days depending on how many pets and humans live in the home. Dirty air filters restrict air flow, reduce efficiency, and recirculate dust back into the clean air coming into your home.

Clear Supply Vents

Make sure the supply vents and return grills are clear of any debris. Using a vacuum is a good way to remove any pet hair or debris that has accumulated throughout the fall and winter.

Clear Around Outdoor Condenser

Proper air circulation is key to the efficient performance of your air conditioner. Clearing away debris from around the outdoor condenser will help air flow easier. There should be a clear area of at least two feet in all directions from the condenser. Trim back bushes or tree branches that may have grown too close. Remove debris, such as fallen leaves and dirt from around the unit.

Clean Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils capture heat from the air inside your home. These coils are usually made of copper and are surrounded by aluminum fins. When evaporator coils get dirty, problems can occur in your air conditioner such as reduced heat transfer, decreased cooling efficiency or increased energy consumption. We highly recommend scheduling a professional cleaning from the experienced HVAC technicians of Bradley Mechanical. Our technicians have the proper equipment and training to clean your evaporator coils without causing damage.

Preventative Maintenance

Just like any other mechanical appliance in your home, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance in order to prevent expensive breakdowns. Having a spring tune-up by the HVAC experts of Bradley Mechanical can help keep your air conditioner performing smoothly throughout the dog days of summer.

Turn It On

Once you have gone through the steps of cleaning your air conditioning system, wait for a warm day to turn it on and make sure it works. After a few minutes of running, you should feel cool air coming from your registers. If the air coming out doesn’t feel cool or there is no air at all, there is something wrong and it is time to call Bradley Mechanical.

If you are in the need of air conditioning service, repair or installation, give Bradley Mechanical a call at (804) 748-6728. We have been keeping Richmond homes cool and comfortable during the summer for over 50 years. Our expert HVAC technicians know how to quickly diagnose problems and offer affordable solutions so you don’t have to sweat it. We also offer a large selection of energy-efficient Lennox air conditioning systems.