Those snowdrops poking their heads through the soil don’t just herald the arrival of spring; they also signal it’s time to ensure your air conditioning equipment is in tip-top shape for the arrival of warmer weather. As with other major equipment, your AC unit needs an annual tune-up, says Peter Martin, whose family-owned Peter Martin Appliances, Heating and Cooling has been selling and servicing major appliances in Hamilton and the surrounding area for 50 years.
The good news, says Peter, is routine maintenance on your AC unit can not only make your home more comfortable, but it can also save you money on cooling costs and extend the life of your air conditioner. Read on for his tips on how to give your air conditioner a spring tune-up.
1. Change your filter if necessary. When air filters get clogged up with dust and dirt, your heating and cooling system has to work extra hard to circulate air and moderate your home’s temperature. That translates to higher energy bills.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
2. Check the outdoor unit. “Your AC unit draws air through the fins on the outdoor unit,” says Peter, “so you need to make sure there is no debris, dirt or other blockage.” He suggests trimming back plants that have encroached on your unit and then gently spraying it down with a garden hose.
3. Make sure your unit’s condensate drain is clear. Since water has to be able to drain from your air conditioner, it’s important to make sure the drain pipe on the side of your furnace isn’t blocked for any reason.
4. Check your breakers and fuses. You will want to ensure power is flowing to your AC unit. And while you’re at it, check the batteries on your thermostat to ensure it’s in good working order.
5. Listen for unusual noises both inside and outside. Buzzing, squealing or whistling sounds can signal deeper problems, says Peter. “It’s a good idea to check your AC equipment before it gets too hot,” he adds. “If you wait for the first hot day, it will take longer for a service tech to arrive and make any necessary repairs.”
6. Take advantage of early-bird specials if you need to replace your unit. It’s a truism that the early bird gets the worm, but when it comes to replacing a defective AC unit, it’s absolutely apt, says Peter. For example, he points out, trusted HVAC appliance manufacturer Lennox is currently offering up to $1,700 in rebates when you purchase an Ultimate Home Comfort system. Alternatively, you can opt not to make payments for six months.
You can perform some of the basic tasks on this checklist yourself, but when in doubt, hire a trained HVAC expert to do a full tune-up. To book an appointment with a Peter Martin technician, go to www.petermartins.ca/en/cp-heatingandcooling.
