Here in Central Ohio, air conditioners have been buzzing for a couple of months. Although the sweltering days of summer loom near, many have already lowered the thermostat and shut the windows just to remove stickiness from the air. If you haven’t already done so, familiarize yourself with your air conditioning system with an eye toward maintenance. Keeping your unit working at top efficiency is easy with these 7 simple tips. You’ll keep cool all summer, avoid costly emergency breakdowns, and help your unit run at peak efficiency which saves money on your on utility bills.

All of these tasks can be done by a homeowner. If at any time you feel unsafe, it is best to err on the side of caution. Your local heating and a/c co will be more than happy to help. A trained pro will also come out and check your refrigerant levels and do some internal cleaning to ensure it’s working efficiently and lasts as long as it should.

1. Be sure to replace the air filter with one of good quality. The condition of your air filters significantly affects indoor air quality. Keeping them clean helps your system work at its peak. Filters that are choked with dust have a harder time drawing air which also makes your air conditioning unit work harder and longer to cool the air.

2. Examine the thermostat. Turning the temperature down and sliding the tab to cool should cause the air to kick on. Also, you might consider getting a programmable unit that can save you even more money.

3. Outside, the condenser unit fan should blow warm air when it runs. Nothing should touch the cabinet, allowing air to circulate freely and unobstructed. If you notice significant debris inside, it is advisable to clean it out. First, shut off the power, then remove the fan grill to get inside. Clear out with a wet/dry vac or hose.

4. Take a look at the fins. Air must flow through them for peak efficiency. If they are bent, using a butter knife, gently straighten them so as not to damage the embedded tubing. Return the fan cage and screw back together.

5. Additionally, notice the two pipes at the back. The top one should be insulated, and the insulation should be in good repair. The lower pipe, a Freon liquid line, should be warm.

6. Keep plants shrubs and trees away from the cabinet of the condenser coil unit. Giving it room to breathe helps the unit maintain peak effectiveness and prevents organic matter from interfering with the fan. Check to make sure the fan isn’t loose, rattling or bent. There should be no smells, hard starting or oil on the ground.

A unit with crumpled fins.

7. An evaporator drain line is usually routed into a basement floor drain, utility sink, or outdoors. Mold and mildew form inside the pipe and in some cases forms a clog which prevents waters drainage. Water can back up in the house causing stains and floor damage. Prevent clogs in the drain line by developing a yearly routine of pouring a cup of bleach mix (half water and half bleach) into the access hole each spring. This kills off mold and mildew which prevents buildup. If you’re not familiar, have your AC tech show you where it is. Remember to turn your power back on to have a cool summer!