by Frank Sherosky

Created on: December 24, 2008   Last Updated: December 30, 2008

Spring cleaning your cooling system is smart home ownership. Your home may have survived the winter, but the rigors of cold weather may have created a potential for cooling system failure. Don't wait until that first hot spell hits your area to find out.

Think cause and affect. Spring cleaning now can save you a summer of discomfort. Realize that time and temperature always takes its toll. So, let's address a simple, 3-point, spring cleaning checklist that will serve you and your cooling system well into the summer.

1. Condenser: The outdoors where your condenser (radiator) is located is the harshest environment of the entire cooling system. So, how was your home last summer? Was it still too warm? Was the compressor constantly running?

Your cooling system's efficiency is based on flow of air. The greatest culprit involves debris stuck in the vanes. Like any radiator, items like leaves and paper can limit the transfer of heat from the house to the outside air. Solution: Clean out the debris from the vanes with a water hose.

While you're at it, spring clean the overgrown bushes around the condenser. Too much growth there can limit air flow and restrict the cooling system's heat dissipation.

If your system's fan has a belt drive, spring-clean check that too for slippage. Especially pay attention to any belt squeaks, as it's an audible telltale the belt is old and stretched.

2. Coolant and Lines: All cooling systems leak gas molecules eventually and require a spring cleaning evaluation. Unfortunately, refrigerant has no detectable odor like natural gas. So, it's crucial to check for obvious loose fittings.

Keep in mind that all outdoor materials are subject to ultraviolet rays, water, and thermal cycling. This hot-cold continuum is especially compounded by extreme winter temperatures where stresses within the molecular bonds of the seals and fittings are induced. So, no matter how high-tech the cooling system's seal, wrapping and fitting materials may be, they are the weak link of the cooling system, and have their limits.

3. Indoor Air: How is your cooling system's indoor air efficiency? Is the air cold? Is it slow?

Realize there can be no exchange of heat in the cooling system without coolant. First, check the temperature at the wall/floor registers. Next, check the air flow at the register. If the flow is low, go to the furnace and feel if it's ice cold. Your cooling system may have built up frost on the exchanger (another radiator except in reverse). This limits the transfer of the heat from the house to the fluid flowing to the radiator outside the house. In this case, your cooling system's refrigerant is too low and needs to be refilled by a professional.

So, pass this spring cleaning tip to your friends. You may be sitting in their house later this season.

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