Monday, July 11, 2011

Keep Your A/C Strong For The Houston Summer!

Summer is here and it is HOT in Houston.

The summer can be the most challenging season for cooling systems. With Houston’s high temperatures, combined with our humidity, it is vital that we take the necessary precautions to make sure our A/C units are running well and efficiently!

Summer has just begun and yet many of our air conditioners are already working overtime to keep our homes cool. That extra work can wreak havoc on the many moving parts inside your air conditioning system – especially if they aren’t running at peak efficiency. So take the time to do some preventive maintenance. This can be the difference between enjoying cool comfort and sweating a costly service call.

Check and Change the Air Filters – This should be done at least once a month in the summer

Keep Outdoor Unit(s) Clean and Clear – Remove any plant growth, grass clippings, or debris caught in the coil walls. The coil can be cleaned using a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep the fins. Always brush in line with the fins, and be gentle because the fins can bend easily.

Check Drain for Clogs – Another important thing to check for is a clogged condensate drain. This is the drain that comes from the cooling coil drain opening on the furnace and runs to the floor drain. Clogs are usually caused by bacterial slime that grows in the water. With the A/C running, check where the line drains into the floor drain to see if water is draining. If no water is present, you most likely have a clog. If there is water visible on the furnace and/or pooling at its base, you definitely have a clog. Turn off the A/C right away to avoid water damaging any furnace components, and have a licensed mechanical contractor inspect and unclog the drain.

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