This winter had us under its tight grip with frigid temperatures and too many snow days. Now that it’s March and the vernal equinox is on the horizon, can summer be far behind?
Before the hot days arrive, there’s work to do to ensure our air conditioners are ready to keep us comfortable. Kevin Jakimas, Owner/General Manager of WarmAire Heating & Cooling, a family-owned business since 1953, offered important tips that most homeowners can easily follow. Keep in mind that AC and heating units vary, so these are generalized guidelines.
If it’s a standard hot-air furnace, replace the filters and set your thermostat to cool. For baseboard heating with a boiler, shut off thermostats. If you have a separate AC system, replace the filters and turn it on, or switch your thermostat to cool. When shutting off boiler thermostats, don’t shut off the boiler completely. Keep in mind, you don’t want the heat and AC running at the same time.
Your spring-cleaning to-do list can include tending to the outdoor condensing system. Another area is your inside air handler or cased coil’s condensate drain line, which should be checked so that free-flowing water can drain properly outside. This prevents backups into the air handler and the drain pan inside. Clearing clogs that may have built up over the winter or the prior season is best practice before your system starts. If this is not completed properly, it can lead to water damage, drain backups, operational issues, and poor efficiency.
Additionally, make sure that the outside system is not blocked or restricted, as it needs to breathe. Clear leaves and trim bushes and shrubs. We recommend a nice wash with a garden hose, but don’t use a pressure washer, as this can damage the fins on the coils. If the coils are extremely dirty or plugged, it’s best to get professional help. When checking refrigerant levels, Jakimas warns that homeowners should leave this to licensed professionals. At WarmAire Heating & Cooling, this is one of the major checks they perform.
Jakimas added, “It is always best to reach out to a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor for annual maintenance, especially if units are in difficult spaces, in need of repair, and to check for proper working conditions for the season.”
Following Jakimas’ instructions will make summer feel like a breeze. It may be cold now, but take heart, those hot days will be here soon.