Preparing for Your Big Day

Posted on: 3 June 2020

An air conditioner that hasn't been used for a long period of time will need more maintenance and inspections than normal before it's ready for regular use. Inspecting your air conditioning system before using it can prevent damage and health hazards, and will ensure you can start using your air conditioner again without any trouble.

Have the Outdoor Unit and Ducts Checked

Your air conditioner's outdoor unit is designed to withstand the elements, so it's rare that the unit will have suffered any major damage while it wasn't being used. Even while in regular use, however, consistent maintenance is necessary to keep it in good shape. After a longer period, it may require more work and attention.

Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is free of brush and debris, such as plants and trash. While the unit's fins keep most debris out, it's also a good idea to check inside the unit itself to make sure it's clean inside. Any loose parts or debris can cause damage to moving parts such as fan blades. Some parts, like belts, may be weather-worn, loose, or cracked and in need of replacement. Call a technician to inspect it for you and make recommendations.

Next, have your home's ducts inspected. Ducts should be inspected every three to five years, and after long periods without use, it's especially important to make sure that your ducts are both clean and properly sealed. Ducts with gaps or failing insulation can cause a rise in energy bills, and can even pose a health risk in the event of a pest infestation.

Inspect Circuits and Electrical Components

Because your air conditioner is likely installed on a dedicated circuit, it's not always immediately obvious when there is any kind of electrical problem that might affect your air conditioner. Some basic electrical maintenance is done during annual inspections, but if it's been longer than that, it's worth double-checking everything before you start using your air conditioner again.

First is the circuit itself. A technician can make sure the circuit is working correctly and that there are no signs of damage or wear. If any wires have been exposed or damaged or if the circuit is not properly grounded, it can cause electrical fires or burn out important components.

Next, make sure your fuses are checked. Fuses are inexpensive and easy to replace, but if failed fuses are not replaced, not only will your air conditioner not work, but it could put a potentially damaging strain on your system. Your technician can make sure all of your important components are checked and replace any parts as necessary.

Check Your Thermostat

The last major part of your air conditioning system to look at is your thermostat. If you have a thermostat that runs on your house's main power, it's a good idea to make sure it works and is responsive. An unresponsive thermostat could be the result of a tripped circuit. If it requires batteries, they may be overdue for replacement.

If your thermostat runs on batteries and seems to be working fine, inspect them just in case. When alkaline batteries are left in too long, especially if they go unused, they may leak, which causes white powdery gunk to form around the battery and on the device they're in. This can interfere with the operation of your thermostat but can also be a health hazard. If your batteries are leaking, put gloves on before removing them and cleaning your thermostat, which can be done with cotton swabs and white vinegar.

If you need help with your AC, contact a residential HVAC service.