5 Steps to Prepare Your Central Air Conditioning for Summer

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As a homeowner, having a properly functioning air conditioning unit is essential, especially in the summer. During this time, you are going to want to return from work to a cool home that you can sit comfortably in. To ensure that your air conditioning is going to keep your home as cool as possible during this time, you will want to take these five steps right before summer approaches to guarantee that the air conditioner operates smoothly:

  1. Turn Off the Air Conditioner: The first thing you want to do is turn off the power to the air conditioning unit. This is because if the air conditioner turns on while you are working on it, it can cause you to injury yourself severely. There is typically a power switch located near the condenser or in the circuit breaker of the home. Once you turn it off, be sure to remove any debris sitting near the condenser, such as leaves to ensure that it doesn't easily get trapped in the unit after you have just cleaned it out. 
  2. Clean the Coils and Fan: Next, you want to remove the grille on the condenser unit, which is typically held in place with screws, so all you will need is a screwdriver. Once you do this, the coils of the condenser will be exposed and you can begin to remove debris on them with the small suction brush that is attached on your vacuum. Once this is done, you should be able to lift out the fan once you unscrew the grid that holds it in place. Clean the fan with a damp rag and place it and the grille back in the condenser unit.
  3. Change the Air Filter: The air filter is locate inside of your home by where the condenser is on the outside of your home. Simply undo the clips that hold the filter in place and replace it with a new air filter that you can purchase from your local hardware store. 
  4. Clean the Condensation Tube: The condensation tube runs from the coils to a drain near the condenser unit. If the condensation drain has some built up condensation and dirt inside, then you should rinse it out with water from the hose. 
  5. Turn on the Power: Once you have finished the above steps, you can then reconnect the power to your air conditioner. After this, be sure to test your air conditioner to be sure that it functions properly. If there is still a problem, then you will want to call in the professionals to make a thorough inspection and resolve any issues before you really need the AC in its best working condition.

By following these five steps, you can be sure that your AC unit runs properly and efficiently, which saves you money and keeps you cool throughout the whole summer season. For assistance, talk to a professional like HomeSmart From Xcel Energy.

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28 July 2015

Keeping Cool All Summer Long

Moving to a hot climate freed me from dealing with snow and ice in the winter. However, it also brought a lot more heat during the summer. I had resigned myself to paying big bills for cooling nine months out of the year when I found out from a friend that my air conditioner was struggling and need in of repair. Once a technician stopped by and gave my equipment a tune up, my cooling costs were nearly cut in half! This surprising discovery prompted me to head online and blog about my experiences. Even if you and your family only use the air conditioner a few times a month during the summer, you can benefit from my tips on keeping the equipment running smoothly and efficiently. You'll appreciate the combination of cooler indoor temperatures and lower monthly bills.