How can you prepare your air conditioner for the summer?

Summer is the time when air conditioning really comes into its own. With the August heat about to descend, it makes sense to ensure that your air-conditioner is well-prepared for it. Here is a quick guide to the steps you need to follow.

To explain further, Dominic Little, Director of Chill Air Conditioning shares his insights into how you can prepare your air conditioner for summer.

The basics of air-conditioning units

Air-conditioning systems consist of an internal unit and an external unit, connected by coolant lines. The internal unit draws in hot air and draws it over an evaporator coil. This cools the air. As the air cools, it condenses so a dehumidifier removes excess water via a drain.

The remaining hot air is passed through a coolant. The coolant starts as a liquid but as the air heats it, it turns into a gas. When the mixture reaches the outer unit, the hot air is vented outside. The coolant is passed through a compressor and a condenser. This turns it back into a liquid. It is returned to the coolant pipe for the process to begin again.

If you’re not familiar with your air-conditioning unit, your first step is to locate all these components. You might also want to find the unit’s documentation. This may give you specific instructions on how to disassemble the outer unit to clean the components. If you don’t have the documentation, then try checking online.

Cleaning the air-conditioning system

Before you start cleaning your air-conditioning system, make sure that the power to it is completely shut off. For both the inner and outer units, turn off the power at your service panel.

For the outer unit, you should also turn off the power at the box itself. There will be a disconnect switch in a highly visible, weatherproof box near the unit. If you're not sure what it looks like or where it is, check your documentation. If that still doesn't help, check with the manufacturer and/or installer.

Cleaning the internal unit

At a minimum, you should clean (or change) your air filter at least twice a year. Ideally, you should check it at least once a month and clean off any dirt on it (or change it). Running an air-conditioner with a dirty filter will make it less efficient. It also creates the risk of pollutants being recirculated around the building.

In the run-up to peak summer, make sure to check the evaporating coils. Even though they are well-protected, they can still get dirty. If you do find dirt on them, clean it off gently. Then make a point of checking your drain lines for disconnects, blocks and leaks. These can all significantly reduce the efficiency of your air-conditioner.

If you find any of these issues, then you need to decide whether to deal with them yourself or whether to call in a professional. In general, if you can clearly see how to do something, it’s usually fine to do it yourself. For example, if you find a small puncture, you can seal it with tape. If it’s not, then it’s time to call in a professional.

Maintaining the coolant lines

Follow the coolant lines from the inner unit to the outer unit. Look for any signs of leaks or damage. This includes damage to the foam insulation around the pipes. As foam is delicate, it damages easily. Replacing it, however, is very straightforward.

Cleaning the outer unit

Always make sure that the power is completely switched off before cleaning the outer unit. Double-check this before removing the unit’s outer casing.

Remove debris

The best tool for this is a stiff brush. You may also find it helpful to have a small knife. A stiff brush will get rid of regular debris such as leaves. If, however, it’s lodged in your outer unit, you may need a small knife to get it to move.

Clean the coils and straighten the fins

Remove the condenser unit’s outer casing. You may find that the fan is attached to the top panel. If so, just lift it off smoothly. Be careful to avoid tugging any wires.

With the coils exposed, clean them from the outside and then the inside. You can get a proper refrigerator coil brush. The soft brush on a vacuum cleaner will, however, work just as well.

Then check the fins to see if any are bent or broken. Bent fins can be fixed easily with a fin comb. These are easy to find in shops and online. Just make sure to get one that’s the right size for your fan. They can be measured in fins per square inch or fins per square centimetre. Mending broken fins, by contrast, is usually best left to the professionals.

Once you have finished with the coils and fins, check the casing for any excess moisture. If you find any, just wipe it off. Then reassemble the unit.

Check the drain

The outer unit will have a drain near it to catch the condensation it generates. Check this drain for blockages. Even if there are none, it’s advisable to give the drain a clean. You can use your standard drain cleaner. Keeping the drain running smoothly is essential to prevent backwash from making its way into your property.

Tidy the area around the unit

You need at least 60 CM (2 feet) of clear space all around your outer unit. If there is anything at all breaching this space, remove it. This goes for even small items like twigs and grass stalks.

If there are live plants in the vicinity try to cut them back so they can’t interfere with the air conditioning unit at all. If this isn’t possible, then commit to trimming them regularly to maintain the clear space.

Repower the unit

Turn off your thermostat, switch the power back on and then turn on the thermostat. You should hear the unit power up and there should be no strange noises.

With the unit in operation, retrace your steps from one unit to another and check for anything unusual e.g., leaks.

If you detect any remaining issues, remember to power down the unit completely before attempting to fix them.

Reprogram your air-conditioning system as necessary

Check your current settings and think about whether they will still be acceptable in peak summer.