PREPARING YOUR A/C UNIT FOR SUMMER
For many people around the country, April is the first month when they might turn on their air conditioning unit. Even if it’s still chilly where you are, summer is right around the corner, so you need to make sure your A/C unit is ready to tackle the summer heat. A central air conditioner has an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor. The compressor is where you want to spend your time cleaning and maintaining. More than likely, you didn’t use your air conditioner during the cooler winter months, so you’ll need to do a few things to ensure your unit is in peak condition before turning it on. Before doing any work on your unit, make sure you turn off the circuit breaker. You’ll need to turn off the power to the condenser at the service panel, but most condensers also have a weatherproof disconnect box that you need to power down. Once your unit is powered down, you can begin cleaning and replacing your furnace or air-handler filters. Ideally, you should do this twice a year. If you fail to change or clean these filters, restricted air flow will reduce the efficiency of your unit. In addition to cleaning your filter, you also need to clean the condenser coils. If your unit was uncovered during the winter, leaves and other debris likely found their way inside the coils. Make sure the fan is clear before moving inside the box to check if the coils are clogged. If they are, clean them with a soft brush and use a vacuum to clean the coils from the inside.
Once you’ve cleared away all the debris and excess water, check the coolant lines. These lines are usually covered with foam insulation that can fray and crack. If they’re damaged, replace them with new foam insulation sleeves. Your unit should now be ready for a test, and if everything runs well, your air conditioner should be ready to take on the summer heat. Anyone can clean and complete simple maintenance, but if the system still doesn’t work properly, call in a professional to investigate and handle further repairs.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: RANDY HJELM
Life in Retirement Is Bliss
Randy grew up at the beach. His father was an avid fisherman in Neptune Beach, and, oftentimes, Randy would tag along. Now, at the young age of 72, Randy is retired and fortunate enough to live roughly five blocks away from the beach, allowing him to frequent it as much as he wants — it’s his sanctuary. “The beach, the water, and fishing are quite the blessings in my life,” Randy tells us. “If I could do anything all day, it’d be fishing.” Two years ago, Randy achieved a personal best — he caught a 35-inch snook in the surf, which is absolutely unheard of in northeast Florida! “That was quite the feather in my cap,” Randy exclaims. Randy and his wife Sandra also enjoy camping, and they have an older retro pull- behind camper they enjoy taking out when they are able to get away for a little vacation. While campsites have been difficult to
reserve in the midst of the pandemic, they visit parks and camp every chance they get. It’s a wonderful way to spend time together, to get back in touch with nature, and to experience the wilderness. Starting this month, construction is ramping up at the Hjelm home. They are very excited to be converting their garage into a living area downstairs with two bedrooms upstairs for their son, their daughter-in-law, and their 2-year-old grandson, Webb. “Webb is the star of our life,” Randy says proudly. “We are so thrilled to have them so close to us. It’s an absolute dream come true.” Now they will always be “home for the holidays!” Retirement for Randy has been an incredible adventure to date. “I’m so lucky to have so much to look forward to in the best years of my life,” Randy notes in a tone of happiness, optimism, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
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