Preparing Your AC for Warmer Weather

06/02/23

When the weather begins to warm up, it’s time to prepare your air conditioner for the summer heat ahead.

With annual HVAC maintenance, you can ensure your cooling system is ready to keep your home comfortable and extend your unit’s life span. Below are things you can do this spring to keep your system running like it should.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the simplest and most important tasks many homeowners forget is changing your system’s air filters. Dirty air filters put unnecessary strain on your system, which can impact airflow and take years off the life of your HVAC.

For best results, we recommend changing your filters every 30 days.

Clean Your Vents

Dust can collect on your system’s vents even in the cleanest home. Take this opportunity to vacuum them thoroughly and ensure each register is open and allowing air to flow freely.

You’ll want to double-check that nothing is blocking airflow from the vents like curtains, furniture, or rugs in the case of floor vents.

Update Your Thermostat

This is also a great time to change the batteries in your thermostat and update the program for warmer weather if yours is programable. Smart thermostats are also a great investment and can keep your home comfortable while saving you money.

Clean Outdoor Unit

First, be sure your system is turned off completely. Then, clean the area within two feet of the outdoor condenser unit, removing any branches, bushes, or debris. You can also carefully vacuum the fins on the unit or flush them out with the hose.

Call a professional to assess the unit if you notice any damage to the fins or an object stuck in them.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Before summer, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional tune-up and inspection of your system. Professional technicians like those at Caffi Services can further clean and assess your system for optimal performance. They’ll also be able to note any problems or areas that need to be addressed to prevent a breakdown.

During a maintenance visit, you can expect a technician to:

• Check the condensate drain
• Inspect the evaporator coil and condenser coil
• Test the blower motor amp draw and oil, if necessary
• Assess the unit’s blower wheel for balance and debris
• Test the condenser motor amp draw and oil, if necessary
• Assess the compressor amp draw
• Tighten electrical connections
• Measure the system’s refrigerant charge

Choose Caffi Services

Caffi Services is here for all your HVAC maintenance needs in northern Virginia. We offer convenient maintenance plans to ensure your system is always ready to perform.

With over 50 years of experience, our team will inspect your unit thoroughly and ensure your home will stay comfortable all summer. We also offer 24/7 service for emergency breakdowns that just can’t wait.

Schedule routine HVAC maintenance with Caffi Services today. Call (703)836-6775 to get started.