What to Know Before Turning Your AC Back on for the Warmer Months

Living in New Jersey means dealing with super cold winter months. Your air conditioning unit gets to spend the whole wintertime idle and resting. Now that spring is here, everyone is anticipating what is coming next. In just a blink of an eye, spring will be gone, and households will feel summertime's blazing heat when the AC serves as the lifesaver of every home. 

Before that time comes, though, it will be best to check your system for any problems or maintenance required. By knowing if your unit is still in good condition or if repairs are needed, you can prepare and seek help from professionals before the weather starts to get warm. 

The last thing you want is to realize that your air conditioner is not turning on or performing properly after its long break. To help you out, here are the simple things you should know when it comes to maintaining your AC unit:

Things to Do During Winter Time

Let's start in winter. Just because you do not need your air conditioner during the cold months does not mean you should forget about it altogether. You can still take simple steps to ensure that it remains in good condition throughout the season.

1 - Avoid Covering Your Unit

Obviously, covering your unit will protect it from the harsh weather, right? However, things are different for your outdoor condenser. 

Since the outdoor weather is cold and moist in winter, there is a huge chance of a moisture buildup inside your covered condenser. That could bring premature rust, which could lead to long-term problems later. It needs proper ventilation so that you can air out excess moisture. 

2 - Clean Your Condenser At Least Once During Winter

This is the proper way to clean your condenser:

• 
  Remove its top cover.
• Get a garden hose and start spraying out the accumulated dust. Make sure to clean it from inside to outside. 
• Aside from the dust, make sure to target any residue or chemicals that could trigger rust in your system. 
• Schedule maintenance appointments with your trusted cleaner for the best result.

3 - Keep an Eye Out for Excess Water Leakage

You would notice normal water leakage in your unit's PVC primary drain line, but when it starts to produce excess leakage, then the metals could rust. Once you see any signs of this, request immediate repairs. 

4 - Change Your Air Filter

Ideally, a unit's air filter should be changed every three months or as often as recommended by the manufacturer. It would also be best to start a new cooling season with a brand new air filter for the best performance. 

4 - Check Your Electrical Wiring for Any Wear and Tear

If you see any visible damage to your electrical wiring, it is better to have it repaired before using your entire system.

5 - Start Clearing Up Space 

It would be best to do this during spring or as soon as possible. If you have not done so already, give time to clear the space surrounding the equipment. Any debris and branches found near the condenser can interfere with its performance. They could block the airflow and affect the cooling process inside. 

Make sure to do this as often as needed. If you have grass or plants nearby, ensure that the space surrounding the condenser (at least 12 inches in every direction) is clear of any obstructions. Also, keep the condenser coil clean for optimal performance. 

Things to Do Upon Turning the AC On

You need to inspect the AC, too, as soon as you turn your air conditioning unit on. Here are the things you need to observe:

1 - Check Its Refrigerant Level Via the Two Copper Lines

You would see two copper lines coming from your AC unit. They run between the condenser and the evaporator coil. These lines should be cold when you touch them. If they are, that means your unit is working as it should. 

Have a professional check your refrigerant level at least once a year to ensure your device’s optimum performance.

2 - Check the Air Temperature Coming From the Condenser Fan

Next, you need to check if your condenser is doing its job. Go to your outdoor condenser fan and check the heat temperature coming out of it. It should be releasing warmer air than the current temperature outdoors. If it does, then your condenser is working correctly. It is proof that the heat transfer from inside to outside is currently taking place.

3 - Feel the Cooling

Go back inside your home and give your system around 10–15 minutes until the temperature fully cools all the parts of your home it is meant to cool. If it needs more than the mentioned time, then something could be wrong with your unit.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional?

You know it is time for you to call a professional technician if you experience any of these:

1 - When Your Unit Starts to Wobble

When your unit starts to move in place or vibrate, it could be a sign of an internal problem. It could be telling you that:

• 
  Your motor shaft is already damaged. To fix the problem, you need to have it repaired or replaced. 
• Your unit's blade is currently out of balance. If this is the case, a simple rebalancing by a professional could fix it. 

As soon as you notice this problem, call your trusted technician as soon as you can.

2 - Your Unit Starts to Produce Unusual Noise

Air conditioning units produce mild sounds when functioning, but when the noise becomes annoying, it could be because of significant issues. When you hear strange noises coming from your unit, turn it off and schedule an inspection or service. 

Conclusion

Remember that any equipment that was idle for at least half the year requires maintenance and tune-ups to work again correctly. This applies to your air conditioning unit and the entire HVAC system. The last thing you want for the scorching, humid, sticky summer is to turn your AC on and feel nothing. Take these small steps towards prevention and maintenance starting from winter and towards the spring. These little steps could save and keep you cool in the hottest months of the year.

Are you having trouble with your air conditioner? For your heating and air conditioning needs in Morris County, NJ, contact us at Comfort Specialists. We are your HVAC and electrical experts, and we can bring comfort into your home. Schedule your appointment online, and save up to $25.