How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner When Not in Use

The hot summer months have just passed. For some, this means that it is time to start preparing to store your air conditioning unit for an extended period. One of the most important steps you can take is to make sure your air conditioner is ready when you need it. If you have an air conditioning unit in storage, this article is for you. Here, you will learn ten simple tips on maintaining it to work well when needed!

Clean your air filter regularly

Dirty air filters are one of the leading causes of reduced cooling performance. There are three good reasons for you to make sure your filter is clean when in storage:

• A dirty air filter will restrict airflow, affecting how well your system cools. Reduced airflow means that it has to work harder, which reduces efficiency and increases operating costs.
• A dirty air filter increases the risk of having expensive damage to your system.
• You won't see if dirt is accumulating inside the unit, which results in reduced cooling performance over time.

Change your air filters between seasons

If you live in a region where the weather changes often, it is important to change your air filters between seasons. This means that before you put your AC unit in storage, you should change the filter to a clean one. If you don't do this, the old filter will get dirty again, and it will be harder for your unit to cool your home next year. Changing the air filter is a simple task that you can do yourself in less than 10 minutes.

Drain any water from your unit's evaporator coil

Just like your car needs an oil change, your AC unit also needs to have the water drained from its evaporator coil. During normal use, this water will evaporate and be released into the air. However, if your unit is in storage for an extended period, that water will not evaporate and will eventually cause damage to your system. To prevent this, you should drain any water from the coil before putting your AC unit in storage.

Cover your outdoor unit

If you are putting your AC unit in storage, it is recommended that you cover the entire outdoor unit. This will protect all of the components on the outside from any damage over time. A tarp or piece of plywood can be used to cover your unit. However, if you want to be extra cautious with your investment, you can purchase a storage cover specifically designed for air conditioners.

Examine the thermostat

Most modern air conditioners come equipped with a digital thermostat. If this is the case for your unit, you should check to ensure it still registers temperature properly before putting it in storage. You can do this by placing a thermometer inside your unit and seeing if the registered temperature matches the ambient temperature. This is important because your AC unit will not turn on when needed if the thermostat is not working properly.

Check the fins of your outdoor unit

The fins are the part of the unit that is responsible for dissipating heat when in operation. Since your equipment will be in storage, you should ensure that the fins are clean and straight. This is important because any damage to this component can reduce its cooling efficiency. If you notice some bent fins on your outdoor unit, you can use a fin comb to straighten them out. This device is inexpensive and will only take you about 10 minutes to do.

Perform a leak test

Even if your AC unit appears to be in good working order, there might still be some leaks that are not noticeable. If this is the case, you will need to perform a leak test so that your system does not have any surprises when you turn it back on. The easiest way to perform this test is by using an inflatable soap bubble solution. All you have to do is add a few drops of dish soap to water and fill up the rest of the container with air. Then, use a straw to blow the bubbles near your AC unit's seams, joints, and valves. If any bubbles appear, it means that you have a leak, and you should address it before turning your unit back on.

Check the electrical wiring

Even if you have a high-quality AC unit, it won't work as designed without the proper amount of power. This is why you should check all of the wirings on your outdoor unit before putting them away for storage. Even a loose wire can cause problems once the unit has been turned back on. If you see any loose wires, you should tighten them as much as possible. You can use a screwdriver for this task, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Drain the outdoor unit

If keeping the unit in storage for a long time, you need to ensure that all water is drained from the outdoor unit. This will prevent any excess condensation from causing damage to your system during startup. You should never attempt to store your AC unit while still wet. The easiest way to drain the unit is by using a garden hose. Just make sure that you connect it to the correct drainage hole on your outdoor unit. Once all the water has been drained, you can safely cover your AC unit for storage.

Schedule for a professional maintenance appointment

Even if you take the time to perform all of the above tasks, there is still a chance something might go wrong with your AC unit while it is in storage. This is why it is always a good idea to have a professional inspection and maintenance appointment scheduled with an air conditioning company before putting your unit away. This will help to ensure that your system is in good working order and that there are no surprises when you turn it back on.

Conclusion

If you are going to be storing your air conditioner for an extended period, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that it is in good working order when you turn it back on. By following the tips in this article, and visiting Crest air conditioning company, you can minimize the chances of having any problems with your unit.