Air conditioning maintenance is crucial for optimal HVAC system performance and energy efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents air conditioning challenges and ensures comfort, making it essential for homeowners before the cooling season begins. A well-maintained air conditioning unit can reduce energy usage, extend the life of your system, and increase indoor air quality, among many other benefits. Having an HVAC maintenance schedule and checklist can be extremely beneficial when trying to stay on track with the upkeep of your air conditioning system. In this article, we will give you a full AC maintenance checklist you can follow before every summer season as you prepare to use your air conditioner regularly.
Replacing your cooling system’s air filters is one of the most important tasks to perform. Filters catch all of the dust particles, pet hair, and other contaminants floating in your air to stop them from recirculating through the system and your home. Depending on how much you use your AC unit, these can easily become clogged. A clogged air filter can block light and reduce airflow, causing the HVAC system to work inefficiently or completely shut down. Change air filters every 30-90 days to maintain peak air conditioning performance and energy efficiency. You can set reminders and mark replacement dates to keep track of HVAC air filter maintenance.
Check thermostat settings to ensure they match the desired temperature output and are programmed for optimal energy savings. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat where you can program different temperature settings for different days of the week in order to save energy. You could also upgrade to a smart thermostat, which can learn your household schedule and adjust the temperature setting accordingly. Keeping the thermostat in check can save you on energy bills as well as any possible AC troubles, since many problems with HVAC systems begin with the thermostat.
Verify electrical connections are secure and not damaged to prevent safety hazards and maintain system efficiency. Many parts of the air conditioner, including the thermostat, are connected to electricity in order to function. Turn off the power and wear protective gloves before tightening the electrical connections in your system. Make sure you have the proper equipment and that you do not touch wires with your bare hands. If you are unsure about performing this task safely, you should contact professional HVAC services.
Perform duct cleaning to clear your ducts from debris buildup that can impede your air quality and the efficiency of your system and cause mold and mildew growth. You also want to check your ductwork for any damage or leaks. If you find places where air seems to be leaking from your ducts, you will want to call an HVAC service right away to either seal your ductwork or replace the damaged duct.
You also want to check the insulation in other places of your house, such as your attic and crawlspace, to ensure you will not lose a significant amount of air. Consider upgrading insulation where it is weaker with material such as spray foam. Make sure the doors to your attic and crawlspace, especially, are properly insulated and sealed. It is also a good idea to check doors and windows in your home for any cracks where air could escape or outside heat can get in and seal them properly. Professional HVAC services can help you with this if you require it.
Check refrigerant levels and inspect for signs of leaks, which can reduce cooling performance and increase energy consumption. The tubes that carry the refrigerant will be located in the outdoor condenser unit. Call an HVAC professional if you see any ice on the tubes. Refrigerant is a very dangerous material to work with, and if you do see signs of refrigerant leaks, you should consult a licensed HVAC service that will know how to safely work with this material.
The evaporator coil is what absorbs the heat from your home to leave you with cool air. The coils in your air conditioner unit can become dirty over time, and dirty coils can lessen the effectiveness of your system. Clean off the coils within your AC (which should be located within the air handler or attached to the furnace), and make sure there is no gathered debris on them. Inspect the evaporator coil to make sure there is no damage, such as cracks, holes, or bends. If you do see damage, contact an air conditioner specialist.
Your outdoor AC unit can easily accumulate debris, such as leaves, branches, and other obstructions from outdoor elements. Make sure there are no nearby trees or shrubbery obscuring the AC unit by clearing away at least a couple of feet of space around the unit. You can use a shop vac to clean away any leaves, grass clippings, or dirt within the unit and use a garden hose to wash the outside of the unit. Check that the fins are undamaged and clean as well. You may be able to straighten out any bent fins with a fin comb.
You also want to check that your AC unit is level. If you’re using pads, make sure to give them more frequent attention to ensure they stay in place, or you can use concrete or rocks that won’t shift. Professional HVAC services can assist you with this.
The condensate drain line carries the moisture that builds up within your air conditioner unit outside of the house. If this drain gets clogged or becomes damaged, it can lead to water leaks and mold growth. Inspect the condensate drain line for clogs and blockages. You can remove any obstruction using a wet vac. You should also check the access point for the drain line inside the house. You can pour a vinegar and baking soda mixture down the drain line along with warm water to clean it out if you notice any debris.
Perform a system performance check to ensure the air conditioning unit is working efficiently and effectively. Check for common signs of trouble, like unusual noises, weak airflow, warm air coming from the vents, or inconsistent cooling, which can indicate the need for AC maintenance. Verify that the system is producing cool air rather than heated air and maintaining the desired temperature. Double-check that there are no duct leaks or other air leaks throughout your home.
Consider hiring a professional HVAC technician to perform routine HVAC maintenance and inspections. Though DIY maintenance is extremely beneficial, it is always a good idea to have professional eyes on your system to catch any potential problems before they grow into larger repair or replacement needs. HVAC services, like those from John Owens Services, can help make sure all of the moving parts of your entire unit are working properly and efficiently. It is good to schedule routine inspections before the cooling season begins so that you can take care of any issues before the weather grows hot and your AC system is unable to provide cooling.
Neglecting regular maintenance can shorten the lifespan of the air conditioner and increase energy costs. It can help you get ahead of any possible problems before they lead to breakdowns that could happen if it has to run longer than usual. This could send your air conditioning system out of commission during a heat wave, when wait times for repairs can be long. It is a good idea to perform your own HVAC maintenance as well as schedule a professional tune-up in the spring with HVAC services, before the cooling season officially begins, so that you can be sure that you won’t run into trouble in the middle of the hot weather months.
Regular maintenance can be cost-effective in the long run, as it can reduce energy bills and prevent costly repairs. Hiring a professional company to perform maintenance services can be helpful with saving on future repair costs as well as premature replacement. You can even invest in a regular annual maintenance plan in order to keep up with your regular HVAC maintenance tasks. Review and compare prices of local HVAC companies to find the most cost-effective maintenance option.
If your HVAC equipment is past its lifespan and preventive maintenance won’t keep the HVAC system running smoothly, it might be a good idea to update to a new HVAC installation, such as a heat pump. A heat pump is a cooling and heating system that usually consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor air handling unit. Heat pumps operate by moving warm air into or out of your home to reach your desired comfort level, using less energy than a traditional HVAC unit.
Regular air conditioning maintenance checklists are essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Having a maintenance schedule and checklist to ensure all maintenance tasks are completed can be extremely helpful in making sure your air conditioner is operating at peak performance every summer so that you can stay cool. Consider hiring a professional HVAC system technician to perform routine maintenance and inspections so that you can be entirely sure there are no hidden issues that could grow into larger concerns at inopportune times during the cooling season.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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