Is your air conditioning unit something that you ignore all year until the day the weather turns? All of a sudden, it’s unbearably hot and you go to turn on the air conditioner only to find that it’s not working. Now you’re stuck in a sweltering home or office with no air conditioning until you can arrange for a repairman to come and fix it.

Fitness gurus are always preaching how Summer bodies are made in the Winter, and the same goes for your air conditioner. Don’t leave it until it’s too late! It is much better to check your AC unit before temperatures start to rise, so you can identify any problems before they become real problems.

Here are our quick and easy tips for checking and maintaining your air conditioning in the months before the warm weather strikes.

Check the outdoor unit

The components of your air conditioner that are located outside may have been subject to extreme wind, rain, and snow throughout winter, which could leave it damaged. Check for any visible damage, such as missing or broken panels that need repairing or replacing. It is also likely to build up debris from leaves and mud, so it’s important to clear away any debris and clean the filters and condenser coils.

Check the insulation

The outdoor refrigerant lines should be insulated with foam coolant. If this is damaged, worn, or missing, then it will need replacing in order for your air conditioner to work properly.

Clear the drain

The drain line for your air conditioner can become clogged, which leads to potentially expensive damage and repairs. Make sure that the line is clear by rinsing a cup of chlorine bleach through it with around a gallon of water to flush it out.

Perform a test

Once you have performed all your checks and maintenance, allow the unit to dry out from any cleaning you’ve done and then test to see if it works. The best way to do this is to turn the thermostat off before you turn the air conditioner on. Switch it on and then switch the thermostat to cool and observe its working condition. If it isn’t working, check this guide to try and determine what the problem could be and whether it needs professional servicing.

Perform repairs early

If your air conditioner needs any professional repairs, then having these done during the warm months can be expensive. AC repairmen won’t be as busy during winter, so you can save money on your repairs by getting them done early.

Don’t leave yourself in a sweat when the heatwaves come back around. If you find that your air conditioner does need maintenance or repair, then contact us for our quality HVAC services. We serve Winston Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Advance, and surrounding communities in the Piedmont Triad.