If you consider Florida, the very first thing that probably involves thoughts is the warmth. Whether or not it’s the sweltering summer time days or the occasional heatwave throughout different seasons, the Sunshine State’s local weather might be relentless. Dwelling in Jacksonville, FL, you’re no stranger to the excessive temperatures and the humidity that always accompanies them. So, it’s essential to make sure that your air con unit is ready to deal with the extreme summer time warmth when it arrives.
However what about making ready your AC unit for the upcoming warmth? Whereas it might not be in your thoughts in the course of the cooler winter months, taking a number of easy steps now could make a major distinction within the efficiency and longevity of your AC when the new days roll in. This weblog publish will stroll you thru the important checks and preparations that may assist preserve your AC working easily by means of the warmth, saving you from potential complications down the highway.
Why Ought to You Put together Your AC Unit in Winter?
You is likely to be questioning why you’ll want to fear about your AC within the winter months when it’s not even in use. The reply is easy: the time you spend now making ready your AC unit ensures it is going to be in optimum situation when the temperatures rise. A well-maintained AC is extra environment friendly, extra energy-efficient, and fewer prone to break down throughout a scorching spell.
Based on the U.S. Division of Power, correctly sustaining your air con unit can cut back its power consumption by 5% to fifteen%. Moreover, addressing any points earlier than they grow to be main issues can prevent some huge cash in restore prices and prolong the lifespan of your unit. It’s a win-win!
1. Change or Clear the Air Filter
The air filter is without doubt one of the most crucial parts of your AC unit. Its foremost job is to filter out mud, dust, and particles from the air that circulates by means of your system. Over time, filters can grow to be clogged, proscribing airflow and inflicting the system to work tougher. This not solely reduces effectivity but additionally places pointless pressure on the unit.
Why it’s essential:
In Jacksonville, the place pollen and different allergens are prevalent, an unclean filter can worsen air high quality and make your property really feel much less snug. It’s beneficial that you just change or clear your air filter each 1-3 months, particularly in case you have pets or stay in a dusty space.
Find out how to do it:
In case you have a reusable filter, gently wash it with heat water and delicate cleaning soap, then enable it to dry fully earlier than reinstalling. When you’re utilizing a disposable filter, merely substitute it with a brand new one. This small step can enhance air high quality, enhance system effectivity, and cut back the pressure in your AC.
2. Examine the Coils (Evaporator and Condenser)
Your air con unit has two foremost coils: the evaporator coil contained in the air handler and the condenser coil exterior. Each are essential for cooling your property. Over time, dust can accumulate on these coils, lowering their capacity to soak up and expel warmth, which may trigger the unit to run inefficiently.
Why it’s essential:
Soiled coils drive your AC to work tougher, which may result in elevated power payments and a better threat of mechanical failure. If left untreated, soiled coils may even trigger your system to interrupt down fully.
Find out how to do it:
Examine the evaporator coils for seen dust or buildup and clear them if obligatory. For the condenser coils, make sure that they’re freed from leaves, dust, and particles. When you discover any critical buildup or injury, it’s greatest to name in knowledgeable HVAC technician to wash the coils for you.
3. Examine the Refrigerant Ranges
Your AC system makes use of refrigerant to chill the air. In case your unit is low on refrigerant, it gained’t be capable of cool your property as successfully. Low refrigerant ranges usually point out a leak, which may worsen over time and trigger long-term injury to your system.
Why it’s essential:
In case your system is low on refrigerant, it may well result in a variety of points, together with elevated power consumption, freezing of the evaporator coils, and even full system failure. In Jacksonville’s scorching summers, you actually don’t wish to be caught and not using a working air conditioner.
Find out how to do it:
Whereas it’s troublesome for most owners to verify refrigerant ranges themselves, you possibly can search for indicators that there’s a difficulty. In case your AC is blowing heat air or struggling to chill your property, it is likely to be an indication that your refrigerant ranges are low. In such circumstances, it’s greatest to name knowledgeable technician to examine and high up the refrigerant as wanted.
4. Clear the Condensate Drain
Your AC system produces condensation because it cools the air, which is then eliminated by means of the condensate drain. If this drain will get clogged with dust, algae, or particles, water can again up into the system, doubtlessly inflicting water injury or perhaps a system shutdown.
Why it’s essential:
A clogged drain can result in water injury, mildew progress, and lowered system effectivity. In Jacksonville, with the humidity ranges usually excessive, conserving this drain clear is important to keep away from these issues.
Find out how to do it:
Find the condensate drain line close to your AC’s evaporator coils. You need to use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out any particles or use a combination of water and delicate bleach to flush the drain. This can assist forestall any blockages and preserve your system working easily.
5. Examine Ductwork for Leaks or Injury
Your air ducts are accountable for distributing cool air all through your property. Over time, ducts can develop leaks, particularly in older properties or poorly insulated areas, which may result in air loss and decreased cooling effectivity.
Why it’s essential:
Leaky ducts can account for a good portion of power loss in your house. Based on the U.S. Division of Power, duct leakage can cut back an AC system’s effectivity by as a lot as 20%. Fixing these leaks can drastically enhance your system’s efficiency and decrease your power payments.
Find out how to do it:
Visually examine your ducts for any indicators of harm or disconnections. When you discover any gaps or holes, you possibly can seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant. For a extra thorough inspection and restore, it’s greatest to name in knowledgeable HVAC technician.
6. Take a look at the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command heart of your air con system, telling the unit when to activate and off primarily based on the temperature you set. A malfunctioning thermostat may cause your AC to run inefficiently, resulting in increased power payments and potential system breakdowns.
Why it’s essential:
Inaccurate thermostat readings may end up in your AC working longer than obligatory, losing power. Moreover, a thermostat that’s not functioning appropriately might trigger the unit to cycle on and off too continuously, placing stress on the system.
Find out how to do it:
Take a look at your thermostat by adjusting the temperature and making certain that your AC unit responds accordingly. If the temperature studying appears off or the system isn’t turning on and off correctly, it could be time to interchange the thermostat or recalibrate it. Some trendy thermostats are programmable, permitting for better management over your system’s effectivity.
7. Schedule a Skilled Upkeep Examine
Even in the event you’ve dealt with some primary upkeep duties your self, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to schedule knowledgeable HVAC inspection yearly. A licensed technician can totally verify your system, clear parts you will have missed, and deal with any potential points earlier than they grow to be critical issues.
Why it’s essential:
Skilled upkeep ensures that your system is working at its peak efficiency, extending its lifespan and stopping pricey repairs down the highway. It additionally offers you peace of thoughts understanding that your AC is able to face the summer time warmth.
Find out how to do it:
Contact a trusted HVAC service supplier, like Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air, to schedule an annual upkeep verify. These routine inspections can catch minor points earlier than they escalate and supply invaluable insights into the general well being of your system.
Hold Cool with Skilled Assist
The new and humid Florida summers are simply across the nook, however with just a little little bit of proactive upkeep now, you possibly can be certain that your AC unit might be in high form when the temperatures rise. Whether or not you’re cleansing the filters, checking for leaks, or scheduling knowledgeable inspection, taking these steps now will prevent from frustration later.
For HVAC Providers in Jacksonville, FL, Contact Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air At present!
In terms of sustaining or servicing your AC unit, belief the professionals at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air to get the job executed proper. Our skilled technicians can present a radical inspection, repair any points, and assist guarantee your property stays cool all 12 months spherical. Contact us at this time to schedule your AC upkeep and keep snug in the course of the scorching Florida months forward. Allow us to assist you put together for the warmth with confidence!
