An HVAC system’s job is never complete. It spends the winter providing enough heat to make us comfortable, and in the summer months it’s keeping cool air circulating throughout the home. True, it generally doesn’t have to work as hard in the fall and spring, but it still has to work. Because of this (relative) downtime, though, it’s important to use these times to perform some AC unit maintenance in preparation for the rigorous work ahead. As spring approaches, we want to impart some knowledge to you so you can be prepared. Take a look at this AC maintenance checklist that will help your system keep you cool when the sun is hot.
Inspect and Replace the Air Filter
This is a simple yet crucial AC unit maintenance task. Over time, air filters become clogged—an expected occurrence considering everything passing through your ducts. Because of this, it’s important to swap out old filters with fresh new ones to maintain optimal airflow. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with low air quality and high energy bills. If you want everything to run like a dream, follow these air filter steps:
- Check your filter on a monthly basis and replace if needed.
- Regardless of how clean it may look, replace your air filter at least every three months. We suggest shorter increments if you have pets or suffer from allergies.
- Use high-quality air filters to maximize air quality and efficiency.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Many people diligently check their indoor unit whenever something is amiss with their HVAC, but please think of the poor, forgotten outdoor unit. It’s exposed to the elements around the clock, accumulating all kinds of dirt, leaves, and debris that can obstruct or completely prevent airflow.
Here’s how you can ensure optimal performance of that unsung hero:
- Remove any debris in the immediate area that could obstruct airflow.
- Use a soft brush or gentle hose spray to clean the fins. It’s important to avoid using high-pressure water, as it could damage said fins.
- Make sure you clear at least two feet of space around the unit on all sides—except the side the house is up against, of course.
This is an easy step that doesn’t even require professional AC maintenance services (though we still recommend them for the more difficult cleaning tasks).
Check the Thermostat Settings
An improperly set thermostat can cause significant issues, even though just a few button presses can make all the difference. Be sure to switch it over to cooling mode, unless you prefer to live in an oversized sauna in the spring and summer. If you have an older or outdated thermostat, we recommend upgrading to a new one. Why? Well…
Newer thermostat models have an impressive amount of features, a big one being automation. You can program your system to run at certain temperatures at different times throughout the day. After all, you don’t want your HVAC system blasting cool air through your home when everyone’s at work. That’s just a waste of energy and money. If you get a smart thermostat, you can tinker with temperature and other settings from your phone, even if you aren’t home!
Inspect and Clean Air Ducts and Vents
Ducts and vents are magnets for dust and pet dander. This can reduce airflow and lead to lower air quality. That’s why it’s important to clean your vents and registers to get rid of all that dust buildup! If you notice uneven cooling, increased allergies, or visible dust, it’s time to give your ducts and vents a good cleaning. If the problem is more substantial, we can schedule a duct cleaning that will provide that sweet, cool air throughout your home.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Are you noticing poor cooling and other things that aren’t quite right? Your refrigerant levels could be low! Here are some telltale signs:
- Warm air blowing from your vents, despite the system being set to cool
- Ice forming on your outdoor unit
- Suspiciously high energy bills
Handling refrigerant requires specialized expertise and equipment, so we highly recommend leaving this part to a professional. Give us a call and we’ll recharge your system if necessary.
Test the System and Listen for Unusual Noises
There aren’t many things more disheartening than turning your AC on when it gets hot only to find out it’s busted. That’s why it’s crucial to test the system and do a little AC unit maintenance before the days get too hot, so you have time to fix any potential issues. When you do this, keep an ear out for banging, rattling, or hissing noises. Other indicators of underlying issues are weak airflow, strange smells, and uneven cooling throughout the home. It’s imperative you address these problems to avoid summer discomfort and excessive energy bills.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Even if you perform diligent maintenance yourself, nothing compares to professional service. Our technicians have years of experience—and special equipment—under their belts, and they’ll put it to use inspecting:
- Coils for buildup
- Motors and belts for wear
- Electrical connections for safety
- Refrigerant levels for optimal cooling results
Routine tune-ups go a long way towards extending the lifespan of your entire system, so don’t forget to schedule them!
Schedule Your AC Unit Maintenance Before It’s Too Late
Setting aside some time in the spring to perform some AC unit maintenance and ensure your summer comfort is something we simply can’t recommend strongly enough. It can save you from discomfort, high bills, and costly repairs down the line. By following the steps we outlined in the AC maintenance checklist above, you can kick back and relax when the sun is scorching in the coming months. Don’t wait to take advantage of our AC maintenance services! Get in touch and we’ll be happy to get you summer-ready.