Although it may seem as if summer is taking its sweet time in coming, especially with the cooler than usual spring we’re having, the fact of the matter is that it will come, and we have to be prepared. But preparing for summer isn't that difficult, as most of us already have a good idea of what we'll be doing during our summer holiday break. But if the heat becomes too intense, it's always good to have an air conditioning unit and system handy, isn't it? Whether you already have an air conditioning unit or system or are still thinking of getting one, here's how you can properly prepare your air conditioning system or unit for the summer season.

The advantages of preparing your air conditioner for the summer

Your air conditioning unit or system may have remained idle for the past few months, but you have everything to gain in preparing it for the summer. It will have collected some dust and debris, which can significantly affect the system or unit's performance. If you want your system to be ready when you need it and to perform to its best capacity, then you should check it, clean it, and make sure it is working. 

· Clean or replace the filters

The first step to preparing your air conditioning unit for the summer is to clean or replace its filters, as the residential and commercial air conditioning experts of Sub-Cool FM will confirm. The filters, after all, play a central role in the efficiency of your unit or system. Do this twice every year, or once or twice a month during the summer. If you don’t clean out or replace your unit’s filters, this could lead to reduced air flow, which will reduce the unit’s efficiency.

· Clean the coils

Your unit’s coils (specifically the condenser coils) may be found outdoors, and they're almost guaranteed to have collected dust and debris over time as well. You can clean the unit's coils by removing the unit's side and top panels. You can then use a special brush designed for condenser coils (or a simple soft brush attached to a vacuum) to clean the unit's coils on the outside. For the inside of the unit, use a vacuum. 

· Clear the dirt and debris

If part of the unit is located outdoors, you should also make it a point to clear the dirt and debris around it, especially when it comes to the condenser’s base. You should also check the drain to see if it is blocked.

· Check the lines

Another thing you can do to prepare your air conditioning unit is to check the lines, specifically the lines for the coolant. The pipes or tubes will often have insulation on the coolant line covering them to prevent energy loss. If there are any areas which are frayed or worn, you can replace them with foam insulation. Alternatively, you can wrap the coolant lines with special insulation tape.

·Test it

Once you have cleaned the unit and made all the necessary checks, make sure it is completely dry and then test it. You can test it by turning your building's thermostat off and then turning on the power both at the disconnect box and the main panel. Afterwards, just switch on your thermostat to its cooling function.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com