Tips for Checking Your Home A/C Unit

Summer is quickly approaching, and so we all know that before the hot weather sets in, we should not take for granted that our air-conditioning system is working perfectly. It is imperative to do some regular maintenance to keep the unit running at top efficiency - and if we see potential problems before the unit stops working on the hottest day of the year, we can make those observations now and get the unit checked out by a professional if necessary.

Here are some quick tips to maintain your unit, and perhaps things to check for proper working order.

Check your filter every month. Your filter should be checked at least once a month to make sure it is clean. If you cannot see through it to the other side, then you either clean it or replace it (if it's a disposable). If the filter gets too dirty, air flow gets limited and the unit works harder and could affect the suction line that connects to the outside unit - and if ice forms there, you could be in real trouble.

Check your thermostat. Most A/C units nowadays have digital thermostats, which run on batteries. Take the cover off the thermostat and replace the batteries if you have not done so in the last 12 to 18 months.

Make sure your fuse is on. An easy inspection of the fuse box to see that the A/C unit fuses are turned on and have not recently popped off will be helpful. Monitoring that periodically during the summer is wise, as well.

Clean your condenser. This can be as simple as taking a garden hose to your outdoor unit. Spray water along the inside and outside of the unit to wash off dirt and dust. Do this once a season early in the morning so the unit has a chance to dry before you turn it on for the afternoon heat.

When possible, check belt and coils. You should be able to inspect your unit to make sure there is not excessive debris on the coils, and should be able to note any slack, damage or breakage of the blower belt. If you observe it, that means trouble is ahead, so it's best to get that belt replaced.

As long as you do these maintenance steps either before the summer season or once a month (in the case of the filter and fuses), your A/C unit should run without much problem. You can then know if a problem does arise, it may not be something easily fixable, so you can quickly call for service. It does not hurt that if your unit is near or more than 10 years old that you get a full check-up by a professional each year.