Living Green

A/C in South Florida

By Jathy Garcia

Owning an air conditioning unit in Florida is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With only one month left of spring, now is the time for Florida home and business owners to properly ready their cooling systems for the scorching months ahead. You may have already found yourself itching to head towards the thermostat to crank up the A/C to cool down your home or business. However, if your A/C unit isn’t ready for the sudden increase in workload, it could stop running altogether in the middle of the hottest season of the year. To prevent a system breakdown, inspect your air conditioning unit thoroughly and take the following steps to prevent future issues:

1. Clean More Than the A/C Filters

Changing the air conditioning filters is one of first tasks people do when preparing their air conditioning unit for a blistering summer. It’s also one of the easiest. Still, cleaning your A/C requires more than just switching out dirty filters for new ones. Routinely clearing any dirt and dust from the condenser coils and evaporator, in addition to the filters, will ensure a higher cooling capacity and steady supply of cool air. If you come across any problems with your A/C as a result of excess filtrate accumulation, call a Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air technician to help maintain the “health” of your unit.

2. Look for A/C Leaks

Refrigerant leakage is a common problem and one of the biggest threats to an air conditioner’s efficiency. The refrigerant is arguably the most important component of any air conditioner since it’s the liquid used in an A/C unit’s heat pump and refrigeration cycle to keep air cool as it circulates. So, whenever there is a refrigerant leak, your system’s ability to cool your home or business suffers. This is why it’s important to make sure that there are no leaks coming from your A/C unit. If you find any, or feel you may have one, call Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air at 561-790-6966 right away.

3. Check the A/C Drain Line

The drain line is another important and often overlooked component of any air conditioning unit. While your A/C is running, any excess moisture accumulated during the refrigeration cycle is collected and drained for maximum unit efficiency. However, if the drain line gets clogged, the excess moisture cannot be released and could cause complications. When checking the drain line, look for water. If there is water running out of the outside drain, it means the A/C is functioning properly. If there is no sign of water, it could mean that the A/C line is clogged, in which case you should enlist the help of a professional for any necessary repairs.

4. Trim Around the Outside A/C Unit

Most air conditioners have two major parts: an inside unit (usually stored in a closet) and an outdoor unit. Outdoor A/C units may require a little more maintenance than the ones kept indoors because plant and shrub growth can hinder its functionality. The purpose of the outside unit is to allow the circulating refrigerant to release collected heat before returning to the inside unit to repeat the process and keep air cool. When plants grow around the outdoor unit, it makes it difficult for the A/C’s refrigerant to release heat, making it less likely to get cool air from the inside unit. It also reduces the outdoor unit’s lifespan and can cause damage if left untreated. By leaving at least one foot of space between the unit and any surrounding shrubbery, you can prevent any complications and preserve your A/C’s refrigeration cycle.

5. Have a New A/C Unit Installed

If your beaten-down air conditioner is costing you more in energy bills and maintenance costs than it’s worth, it may be time to replace it. After all, if your A/C will be running all day and night for the duration of the summer, investing in a better unit may be the best way to keep cool and save money in the long run. If you’re considering replacing one or both of your air conditioning units, the best time to do so is before summer starts. This way, you don’t have to go even an hour without air conditioning.

These are the five most productive steps you can take to keep your air conditioning unit functioning at its best throughout a hot Florida summer. Is your A/C prepared for next month? Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air is here to guarantee that the answer is a resounding “Yes!” If you have any questions, or need an A/C unit installed, repaired, or replaced, give us a call at 561-790-6966.