Steps to Bringing Your Air Conditioner Out of Hibernation

Steps to Bringing Your Air Conditioner Out of HibernationAlthough hibernation periods for air conditioners in our warm climate aren’t as long as elsewhere in the country, chances are your A/C didn’t get a lot of use during our mild winter. Even so, there are some important tasks to perform before you turn it on for the long, hot summer ahead.

Before Turning on Your Air Conditioner

1. Clean up around the condenser.

The condenser is the outdoor part of your air conditioner. It’s where the warm air from your home is exhausted from the refrigerant so it’s important that there be no obstructions around the unit that might impede the airflow. Clear away all weeds, grass and any other debris from the unit. Move any furniture, garden tools or container plants away. Cut back nearby shrubs to provide a 2-foot clearing around the condenser. Cut overhanging limbs that might fall on the unit during a storm.

If the coils have dirt or other debris on them, you can clean them with a soft brush and water hose, but be careful not to bend or damage the fins.

2. Change the air filter.

Changing the filter should be done regularly, winter and summer. A clean filter will ensure you have good airflow so that your A/C will run more efficiently. A dirty film on the filter can prevent the A/C from effectively removing moisture from the home.

3. Test controls.

Turn the controls to “auto” and “cool,” while setting the thermostat below the ambient temperature to see if the unit will turn on.

4. Schedule annual maintenance.

Have your air conditioner inspected every year, replacing failing parts before they turn into major problems. Your HVAC tech should check controls, the thermostat, coils, compressor, refrigerant level, wiring and the condensate drain. The latter is particularly important to prevent flooding in the home. The tech should also look at the ductwork to make sure there are no holes or disconnected segments that might allow leaks of your conditioned air.

For more about turning on your air conditioner, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We serve Yuma and the surrounding area.