Spring has arrived, so you’ll start turning on your air conditioning unit soon. However, you may find that it’s not working as efficiently as you’d prefer after so many months of disuse. That problem is easily fixed as long as you know some tips for cleaning and preparing it. 

3 Ways to Get Your Air Conditioning Unit Ready for the Heat

1. Clean the Drain & Coils 

When your drain line and coils are clogged or dirty, it’s more difficult for your air conditioning unit to push clean air past them and into your home. To keep your environment comfortable and your energy bills low, make sure they’re clean. 

For the coils, mix some warm water with a basic detergent soap in a spray bottle, then apply to the coils. Brush the grime away gently with a soft-bristled brush.  

As for the drain line, carefully remove debris or other blockages. A wire or coat hanger is usually sufficient to clear out anything deeply stuck. 

2. Change the Air Filter 

The job of the filter in your air conditioning unit is to catch all the dust, dirt, allergens, and other debris that lower your indoor air quality. However, if the filter accumulates so much grime that it can’t keep all of it trapped or prevent more from making its way through your HVAC system, you’ll need to change it.

Fiberglass filters usually need to be changed once every season, but pleated ones can last about six months. Both can be found at most hardware stores. 

3. Clear the Exterior 

Check on the fins of your unit. If they look dirty or dusty, spray them gently with a garden hose. To ensure that they remain as clean and undamaged as possible, trim nearby weeds, shrubs, and tree branches, and get rid of any other debris in the area, including leaves that accumulated over the fall and winter. 

For help from an HVAC contractor in cleaning, inspecting, and tuning up your air conditioning unit this spring, contact Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling in Cincinnati, OH. Having provided expert and attentive AC repair and other HVAC services to the area since 1929, they’ll have no problem ensuring your system is ready to keep you comfortable as the weather warms. They’re available 24/7 for emergencies and proudly boast an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Call (513) 574-0005 to schedule a service call or learn more about their AC expertise online.