Time to Check Air Conditioning Before Warm Weather Arrives

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The professionals with Gentec Services, a leading provider of residential electrical, heating and air conditioning, and security and communication services in the San Francisco Bay area, encourage homeowners to make sure their air conditioning is functioning properly before warm weather sets in.

“It’s important to have a home’s air conditioning checked before it actually gets hot,” said Joe Scerbo, owner of Gentec Services. “There’s nothing worse than trying to turn on the AC on the first hot day only to find out it’s not working. Most professional HVAC service providers know to check certain aspects of a home’s air systems to prepare them for warmer weather.”

Gentec Services recommends the following things homeowners can do during spring to ensure their air conditioning system is ready for the heat of summer:

  • Clean or replace air conditioning filters. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool. They begin to look clogged with dust, and if you don’t have clean filters, air flow will be restricted. This will reduce efficiency, and you will recirculate dust into your home.
  • Clean AC condenser coils. An air conditioner’s condenser unit, typically located outdoors, is like a large fan in a metal box. Ideally, it is protected through the winter by a cover or tarp to prevent accumulation of debris inside it. Otherwise, it might contain leaves, yard debris and dirt, and you will need to clean it. Anything that obstructs the flow of air will cut down the condenser’s efficiency.
  • Have coolant lines checked. The refrigerant tubes or pipes that run from the evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside are typically covered with foam coolant line insulation to prevent them from losing energy. If you see areas where the insulation is frayed or missing, have it replaced.
  • Test the unit. After a good thorough cleaning, allow the unit to dry completely and then turn the power to the condenser back on. You do this by first turning the thermostat in your home to OFF. Then turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel. Last, switch the thermostat to COOL. Let your system run a bit to ensure everything is working well.

“Spring is when we like to help homeowners prepare for warmer weather,” added Scerbo. “We also like to help others. During May, two percent of all sales of AC condensers, evaporation coils and line sets go to Tri-Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton. Our employees vote for which charity they want to support, and this year, it’s Tri-Valley Humane Society. Have your AC serviced and help a good cause. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

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