How to Perform a Pre-Summer AC Check: DIY Steps 

It’s always important to make sure that your home’s HVAC components are functioning properly ahead of their most-used seasons, and an air conditioner is a great example. Before the summer months hit, there are a few basic areas that you, as a homeowner, can check on to ensure your AC unit won’t have concerns heading into the hot months.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with any kind of air conditioning maintenance needed around Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton, Draper, Midvale, or nearby areas, including pre-summer AC maintenance. And while there are certain elements of these seasonal tune-ups that should only be done by our pros, there are also simpler pieces that homeowners themselves can often address. Here are some examples of both!

Importance of Safety

If you plan to do any kind of DIY work on your AC system ahead of summer, safety should be your number one priority. Make sure to turn off all power to your system before working on it, and never attempt any repairs or replacements that you are not fully comfortable with.

Be sure you have the right safety equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, and always follow proper procedures for handling refrigerants. If you are unsure about anything, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

Basic DIY Tasks for Homeowners

In most cases, homeowners are able to complete many of the following tasks on their own:

Filter Replacement

One particular task that you must be able to perform as a homeowner, in part because it’s also necessary throughout the year, is changing the air filter for your HVAC system. Most filters should be changed every month, but it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your specific system to ensure you are following their guidelines.

Ahead of summer, filter replacement is especially important. During the hotter months, your air conditioning system works harder to keep you cool, meaning that the filter is put to work more often. A clogged or dirty filter can cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary, which means it’s using more energy and costing you more money. Additionally, a dirty filter can circulate allergens and pollutants throughout your home, causing issues with air quality.

Cleaning Outdoor Unit

If your outdoor AC unit has been covered during the winter months, it’s important to clean it before turning on your air conditioning system. Start by removing any debris or obstructions from around the unit, such as leaves, twigs, or grass clippings. Then, use a garden hose to gently wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated on the unit itself.

Next, check the area around the unit for any potential sources of obstruction. Make sure there are no bushes, trees, or other objects blocking the airflow to the unit. Trim back any overgrown vegetation and make sure there is at least two feet of clearance around all sides of the unit for proper ventilation.

Thermostat Test

Most homeowners will be capable of performing a basic thermostat test. Start by setting the thermostat to “cool” and turning the temperature down a few degrees lower than the room temperature. Then, listen for a click or hum that indicates the air conditioning unit is kicking on. If you do not hear anything, double-check that the system is turned on and set correctly.

If you still don’t hear anything, it’s possible that there is an issue with your thermostat. You may need to replace it or have a professional technician take a look.

Importance of Checking Refrigerant Lines and Airflow

There are also some pre-summer AC maintenance areas, however, that should typically be handled by professionals. For example, it’s important to have a professional technician check and clean your refrigerant lines and ensure proper airflow.

Refrigerant lines are responsible for carrying coolant through the AC system in order to cool the air. If these lines become clogged or damaged, it can significantly impact the efficiency of your unit and lead to higher energy bills. Additionally, proper airflow is crucial for effective cooling. A dirty or malfunctioning fan can impede airflow and cause the AC unit to work harder than necessary.

Having a professional check these components before summer hits can save you from potentially costly repairs down the line. It also ensures that your AC is running efficiently, which can save you money on energy bills.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with any seasonal HVAC need, including air conditioning maintenance ahead of summer. Contact us today for these or any of our other HVAC solutions around Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton, Midvale, and nearby areas!