Although it’s unlikely that your air conditioner sat idly through an entire Florida winter, which can be equally hot as it can be chilly, the summer months will certainly require your AC unit to work harder than it had to over the winter. As we enter the final weeks of cool weather and that all too familiar humidity begins to set back into the air, it’s time to start preparing our air conditioners for the hard work to come.

Instead of waiting for that first 95-degree day to make you realize your AC unit needs repair, save yourself the stress and sweat by performing these preventative tasks.

1. Clean or Replace the Filters

While this is a task that should be done often, it is especially important to clean or replace filters at the beginning of a temperature change. When your filter is clean, the air circulating throughout your home is cleaner and healthier for your family. A clean filter also improves your AC unit’s efficiency, which reduces energy use and cuts costs.

2. Clean the Outdoor Air Conditioning Condenser

The condenser works as the engine of your entire air conditioning unit. Since it may not get as much attention over the winter months, leaves and other debris may begin to pile up in and around the condenser. Be sure to remove any stray materials that find their way into your condenser unit.

When cleaning the inside of the AC unit, make sure it is turned off! Both the fan and the coils inside the condenser need to be wiped clean of dirt and debris. However, be sure to do so gently and without tugging at wires. Since the inside of your condenser can be damaged without proper care, we recommend calling a technician to handle this task.

3. Check the Drain Line

The harder your AC unit is working, the more liquid it will need to drain. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your drain line is working properly. While your unit is running, look for water coming out of the drain. If there isn’t, the drain might be clogged and a maintenance visit from a technician might be necessary.

4. Seal It Up

Minimizing air leakage in your home will increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. Once your unit does all that work to provide you with cool air, you don’t want to let that air escape! Seal doors, windows and outdoor electrical and plumbing fixtures with caulk to keep the cool air inside your home. It is also important to have a technician check that your air ducts are properly sealed.

Schedule a Summer Prep Check-up for Your AC Unit!

While some of these tasks are easy to do on your own, others are best left to the professionals. With your comfort and health on the line, you won’t want to risk starting off summer with a faulty AC unit. In addition to maintenance visits, One Hour Air Largo offers a variety of Comfort Collection Plans to keep you comfortable year-round. Get started with your plan today!