Three Checks To Do Before Using Your AC

With summer quickly approaching, homeowners will be scrambling to make sure the AC system is up and running before they need to use it every single day. It is always the best to sort out your AC issues before you are relying on the system on a daily basis. Not only will it be harder to book an appointment time, you might need to wait several days before you can actually have your system serviced. Ultimately, you probably need professional services, but you might also be able to sort out a few problems on your own. This article is a helpful list of three things you should check on your AC system before summer begins.

Condenser Hose

The first thing you should check is the state of your condenser hose. This hose is the connection between the condenser unit outside of the house and the duct system. This is where air flows from the condenser and into the ducts. Ultimately, there is a slight risk of this hose becoming dislodged during the winter, particularly in snowy climates. Snow and ice buildup on the hose can cause it to become loose on either end. You should check the hose connection on the back the condenser unit and on the wall of your house. Often, just tightening the hose clamp with a screwdriver will solve your problem. In some cases, you might need to replace the hose clamp completely.

Refrigerant Lines

Next, you should check your refrigerant lines. These lines run in between the condenser unit and the air handler. Specifically, the refrigerant lines should be connected to the evaporator on top of the furnace cabinet. The small length of refrigerant line outside of your house is going to be the most vulnerable because of winter weather. This is why it is important to cover your unit and the vital hose connections if you live somewhere with harsh winter conditions.

Make Sure the Power is Connected

The last thing you do is make sure that the power to your air conditioning unit is turned on. Some people turn off the power at the end of summer and then forget to turn it back on next year. First of all, check the shut off switch on the wall-mounted power box near the condenser. If this is turned on, double check the breaker switch. Now, you can do a test run of your AC to make sure that it turns on. It is not hard to tell if the air conditioner is on because the fan will start spinning, and it will make a lot of noise.

If you've done these checks but no cold air is being created, you might want to call a professional from a place like Polar Aire Heating & Cooling Inc to have your system serviced.