Preparing Your AC For Arizona Summer
Is your AC Ready for Arizona Summer – This guide will help you prevent an AC Break Down,
How Can You Get Your AC System Ready For The Summer?
Ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the upcoming summer season by taking the following steps:
- Regularly replace dirty and clogged air filters
- Arrange for professional maintenance
- Keep the outdoor unit clean
- Inspect the drain line
- Seal any ducts to optimize efficiency and performance.
Let’s examine three prevalent causes for the malfunction of your air conditioning system during the summer season. Subsequently, we will delve into the specifics of how you can prevent these problems and make necessary preparations to combat the scorching summer temperatures.
Top Reasons Why AC’s Break Down During the Summer
Summers in Phoenix can be scorching, leading many individuals to rely heavily on their air conditioners to beat the heat. However, this heavy usage also raises the chances of air conditioning units breaking down.
During the summer months, there are several prevalent factors that can lead to the malfunctioning of your air conditioner:
- Inadequate preparation for high temperatures can lead to air conditioning issues. Failure to perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing the air filter, cleaning the exterior unit, and scheduling yearly tune-ups significantly increases the likelihood of encountering problems with your air conditioner during the summer months.
- Overheating is a common issue. If your air conditioner is overworked, it may overheat and trip the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker’s primary function is to safeguard your home and appliances by cutting off the electricity flow when the current exceeds safe levels. If your system continues to trip the breaker, it indicates a problem that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent potential breakdowns and damage to your electrical panel.
- Age is a factor to consider. Air conditioners that are between 10 to 15 years old are more prone to malfunctions and breakdowns.
- Armed with knowledge about the main causes of air conditioner breakdowns in the summer, you can proactively prevent such issues by following these helpful tips.
Replace Dirty and Clogged Air Filters Regularly
A heavily soiled and dusty air filter can obstruct the airflow into your air conditioning system, compelling it to exert more effort in order to cool your residence. Inadequate air intake by your AC can lead to various issues such as:
- Increased energy costs: Your air conditioning system will need to operate for extended periods to lower the temperature of your home, leading to higher energy consumption.
- A frozen indoor unit: If the evaporator coil does not receive warm air circulation, it can become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in the AC system malfunctioning or water leakage when the ice thaws.
- Reduced comfort at home: Blocked filters reduce the energy efficiency of your AC units, making them less capable of effectively cooling your home. This can leave you feeling uncomfortable during the hot summer months.
To avoid these problems, we suggest inspecting your air filter on a monthly basis throughout the summer and replacing it if it becomes soiled.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
During a maintenance visit (also called a tune-up or check-up), we will inspect the important components of your system to make sure they are working properly. In addition, we will clean and lubricate parts so that they operate efficiently.
Regular professional maintenance for your HVAC system offers advantages such as:
- Lower your monthly energy expenses
- Achieve a consistently comfortable indoor climate
- Minimize the likelihood of a mid-summer system failure.
In a standard air conditioning maintenance service, the technician is expected to perform the following tasks at a minimum:
- Check the thermostat’s operation
- Check the defrost components and test them
- Clean the filter or replace it (you will need to supply the new filter)
- Inspect the contactors, relays, and circuit boards
- Inspect the disconnect
- Check the operating pressures
- Inspect the indoor blower and motor for dirt buildup
- Inspect the condensate drain
- Check the caps and start components
- Inspect the bearings and lubricate all moving parts
- Inspect the outdoor coil
- Inspect and test the safety switches
- Inspect the duct seal at the unit and secure the panels
- Inspect the indoor coil (only if it’s accessible and won’t disturb any seal on a cabinet)
- Check and document the superheat and subcooling in the refrigeration cycle
- Check the voltage and amperage of all motors and the compressor
- Inspect the wiring and tighten electrical connections
- Check and document the system temperature split
- Run and test the system
- Explain any necessary repairs
Make Sure the Outdoor Unit Is Clean
Consider your air conditioner as a heat absorber: The indoor component of your AC takes in heat from the air inside your home, while the outdoor unit releases that heat into the outdoor environment. Nevertheless, if the outdoor unit is obstructed or dirty, the heat cannot dissipate efficiently. This causes your system to operate with increased effort and may lead to overheating. It is advisable to clean your outdoor unit prior to the onset of summer to prevent soaring energy costs and the possibility of costly repairs.
- Eliminate sticks, leaves, or large debris from the coils, which are the small fins encircling the outdoor unit.
- Trim any shrubbery within a 3-foot radius of the outdoor unit to guarantee adequate ventilation for heat dispersion.
- If the coils appear dirty, clean the outdoor unit using a garden hose sprayer set on its lowest setting. Avoid using a high setting to prevent potential damage to the coils.
Let The Professionals At Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling Help You Prepare For The Summer Heat!
Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling LLC offers routine maintenance, repairs, and installation. We also service most Brands as well! Feel free to contact us at 602-832-5786.
*IF YOU EXPERIENCED AN AC BREAK DOWN, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!
