Publication date: 05/07/2010

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Now's the time to prep air conditioner for summer

The weather changes so quickly here in Michigan. It is a good idea to prepare now for the summer cooling season. With a little prior planning and maintenance, you will be ready to stay nice and cool when we get those 90 degree days that are just around the corner.

This time of year, it's not uncommon for our heat to go on in cool morning weather. However, our air conditioning system will soon be getting its usual summer workout. But just because the weather can change from cold to hot like the flip of a switch, it doesn't mean that we should just start using the AC without some maintenance on both units.

Before you start running the air conditioner, you should properly shut down the heating system for the year by turning off the water to the humidifier and changing the humidifier pad now so you don't have to do it next fall. You should also switch the damper on the furnace to "summer" from the "winter" setting.

Next, replace the furnace filter so you are filtering out dust and pollutants from your air-conditioned air just as you do in the winter. That's especially important during the spring and summer months when allergy season is in full bloom. Also, close registers in your basement to keep it from becoming a deep freeze when the air conditioner runs and to help push the cool air into the upper level of your home.

Make sure the air conditioner is off, and go out and take the cover off and remove leaves, grass and debris from around the condenser. Trim weeds or bushes around it to provide at least 18 inches of clearance. Clean the condenser unit with a hose by spraying it down from top to bottom.

If you have interruptible electric service and turned off the power to your air conditioner before the winter, Gary Marowske at Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical, (888) 234-2340, www.flamefurnace.com, said one of the first things to do is turn the power back on for the air conditioning unit and let it power up for at least a day before running it.

"It takes 24 hours to heat the oil in the compressor in the air conditioning unit," Gary said. "If you run it without a proper warm-up, it could damage the compressor."

Gary said that it is also a good idea to get an air conditioning tune-up prior to running your air for the first time: Verify pressure and temperatures; check capacitors on the motors; check belts and the condenser fan motor and fan blades; clean the blower wheel and evaporator; and check refrigerant levels for leaks.

I always suggest having a company that has North American Technician Excellence-certified professionals do the inspection and tune-up. Most tune-ups cost under $100 but are well worth it each season, especially if you haven't had one performed lately.

Another way to get your home ready for summer heat and keep it cool is with solar screens and awnings. According to Vince Falahee of Marygrove Awning, (734) 422-7110, www.marygrove.com, see-through solar screens for windows can block up to 97 percent of the sun's UV rays.

Vince explained that solar shades come in both interior and exterior applications, and exterior solar shades can actually decrease the heat energy coming into the home from the sun's rays by as much as 15 degrees. Their Sunbrella acrylic awnings provide 99.9 percent UV blockage and can provide up to a 20-degree heat difference.

Now is also the time to set your programmable thermostat for the summer so that it automatically raises and lowers the temperature in your home at predetermined times throughout the day and night. For more suggestions on how to save energy, visit DTE Energy's website at YourEnergySavings.com.

DTE Energy also reminds us that in the rooms where you have ceiling fans, make sure you switch the button on the fan housing to change the direction of the blades for summer use. The correct position will be either down, or to the right, depending on your fan. This should run the blades clockwise, forcing the air downward to cool you more efficiently.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and EnergyStar, as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about cooling your home can have a big effect on your utility bill.

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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