How long does an air conditioner last? Typically, they can last up to 17 years, as long as they were maintained correctly. Air conditioner maintenance will ensure that your AC runs at peak performance throughout the year. 

One important part of air conditioner maintenance is preparing your HVAC for the summer months. Do you want to learn more about air conditioner repair and how you can make your air conditioner ready for the summer?

Keep reading these six easy repair tips for everything you need to know!

1. Turn Off the Power 

The first thing you need to do when you are conducting air conditioner maintenance is turn off the power to your unit. This will help you stay safe when you are working on your air conditioner and will keep you from getting injured. 

You can turn off the power by turning off the circuit breaker to your air conditioning system. You can also turn off the power at the service panel of your air conditioner. 

2. Remove Debris and Clean the Condenser Unit

Next, you need to make sure your condenser unit is clean. This is the large metal box that is located outside.

During the winter months, it can be easy for debris to accumulate near the unit outside of your house. If you don’t properly cover the unit for the winter, you may find sticks, leaves, and even pests in your condenser unit. 

You can start by removing the debris to make sure your condenser unit isn’t clogged when you turn on your air conditioner for the first time. You can use a soft brush to remove the dirt from your unit. 

After removing the debris, you should also inspect the fins of the condenser unit. If they get bent out of shape, it can reduce the airflow of your air conditioner. This will lower the efficiency of your entire system. 

If you notice that your fins are bent, you can try to straighten them out yourself. Otherwise, you can have an HVAC company do it for you. 

3. Replace or Clean AC Filters

After cleaning your unit, you need to replace or clean your air conditioner filters. This should be done at least twice a year, or whenever your filters begin to look clogged. Many professionals recommend changing your filters every three months. 

Air filters are used to keep your air clean. They collect allergens, dust, and other contaminants and prevent them from getting into your air ducts and circulating throughout your home.  If you have dirty air filters, it makes it difficult for air to pass through your air conditioning system. 

This reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner and may lead to worse indoor air quality. Dirty air filters may even increase the likelihood of you getting sick or developing allergies. Replacing your air filters can keep you healthy and will improve your AC efficiency. 

4. Inspect Ductwork

Inspecting the ductwork of your air conditioning system is another important part of summer air conditioner maintenance. Dirt and other debris can build up in your ducts, which makes it more difficult for air to flow through your ducts. When your HVAC system has to work harder to circulate the air, it makes your air conditioner less efficient. 

Having dirty ducts can also lead to poor air quality. As was mentioned above, you need to keep your ducts and filters clean to have good air quality in your home and to protect your health. 

Lastly, you need to inspect your ducts for holes or leaks. If your ducts are leaking air, your air conditioner will have to work much harder to cool your home, which can cost a lot of money. 

By inspecting your ducts at the beginning of the summer, you can ensure that your AC will work all season. 

5. Test the Unit

Once you have completely cleaned your unit and let it dry thoroughly, you can test the unit. This is important to do before the weather starts to heat up, as it will help you identify any issues with your air conditioner before you need to use it.

First, reconnect the power to your condenser and switch the thermostat to the cooling.

If your air conditioner doesn’t turn on or is not producing any cold air, you can schedule a repair with an HVAC company. By testing the unit before the weather changes, you will be able to get your HVAC repaired and ready to use by the time you need it! 

6. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Finally, you can schedule professional maintenance with an HVAC company to repair air conditioners. HVAC technicians can help you with each of these summer maintenance steps.

Most HVAC companies provide pre-season maintenance for your HVAC system, which makes it easy to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. By getting professional maintenance, they can help you identify small issues with your HVAC system before they develop into worse problems that require expensive repairs. 

If you want professional help with your HVAC maintenance and repair, it is best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. HVAC companies begin to get very busy at the start of the summer months, so you should schedule your air conditioner tune-up during the spring to get the best availability.  

Need Help With Air Conditioner Repair? Find an HVAC Repair Company

AC repair is an essential part of maintaining your HVAC system and keeping it running smoothly during the year. By following each of these tips, you can prepare your air conditioner for the summer months. 

Are you looking for help with AC maintenance? Hiring AC repair companies like Economizer HVAC can help you with AC maintenance, repair services, and more. 

Contact our team of HVAC specialists today to learn more about our air conditioner repair services or to schedule a free inspection for your HVAC.