With summer comes the heat and when there is heat, there is hopefully an AC unit. AC units can make for more comfortable living when it comes to beating the heat of summer. Although air conditioning units are great for keeping cool, there are some things you will need to do to protect it from the elements. Here are some ways to make sure your air conditioning unit withstands the elements.
Covering
One of the major elements that can be a problem for AC units is rain. Even in the hottest places, it will still rain sometimes. This is why you will need to cover your AC unit with a sheet of plastic. However, plastic will need to be secured as well to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it off. What the best thing you can do is secure it properly to the ground and tie it with ropes. This will not only ensure the high winds from the heavy storm don’t blow it off, but it will also keep it from getting wet and ruined. Look for heavy plastic at any home improvement warehouse or hardware store near you.
Lightning
You will also want to ensure it doesn’t get hit by lightning. Where there are heavy storms, there is usually lightning as well. What you can do here is install a metal pole right beside the unit to ensure the lighting goes to the pole instead of your AC. This is a good way to protect it from getting struck.
As well as shielding your AC unit from the elements you also need regular maintenance to ensure it stays working. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your AC stays running properly.
Pre-Season Check-up
Getting a pre-season check-up can ensure your AC unit is working right before you start using it. If you live in a seasonal climate where the seasons change, you won’t be using it during the winter. Therefore, you will need to have an air conditioner maintenance man do a pre-season check-up to make sure it will run properly right before you start using it.
Right Amount of Refrigerant
It has been estimated by The Air Conditioning Contractors of American that most AC units are not running with the proper amount of refrigerant. They say about 90% of them are either overcharged or undercharged and because of this they are not running efficiently. This is why you need to ensure you have the proper balance of refrigerant to ensure the AC runs the right way all season long.
Watch out for Leaks
Leaky ductwork can cause you to waste energy. It will also allow a lot of air pollutants into your home. One way to check if it is allowing air pollutants into your home is to check the grill for dirt. Have a maintenance man come in and use his tools to check for any leaks in your ductwork. If any are found, an air duct sealant can be used to make sure nothing bad comes in from outside.
Making sure the air conditioning unit is maintained well, covered up and has a pole installed next to it can ensure it works properly all summer long.
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