Imagine this: it’s the peak of summer and you need to cool yourself down. You turn on your AC, expecting immediate relief. Instead, the unit refuses to start.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because it likely has already happened to you or someone you know. And though there are plenty of reasons why your AC might refuse to turn on, they usually come down to one thing: lack of maintenance.
Not sure what proper HVAC maintenance looks like? Here’s an AC maintenance checklist that your technician will use during your next tune-up!
Inspect Air Filters
The first item on the list is something you should already do once every one to three months: changing your air filters. These filters are your first line of defense against airborne particles circulating through your home, such as:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Allergens
- Pet dander
A dirty air filter restricts that circulation and forces your AC to work harder. This results in increased energy bills and reduced efficiency. To maximize your energy efficiency, use filters of the correct size and filtration level.
Clear the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit (or the condenser) is what your AC system uses to release heat. This unit needs unobstructed airflow in order to work efficiently. Unfortunately, debris such as grass clippings often accumulates around it.
Your air conditioning service provider will turn off the power to the AC unit before inspecting the condenser. They’ll remove any visible debris around the unit and ensure that it has at least a two-foot clearance on all sides.
Check the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line removes the humidity collected by your HVAC unit. If the line becomes clogged, it can cause the moisture to back up. This can lead to a variety of problems with your system, including:
- Water damage
- Increased indoor humidity
- System shutdowns
You can tell the drain line is blocked if you see standing water damage near the indoor unit. If so, your AC technician will use a plumber’s snake or a drain cleaner to clear the line, then check for proper drainage.
Identify Refrigerant Leaks
Beyond impacting your AC’s efficiency, incorrect levels of refrigeration can cause refrigerant leaks. These are detrimental to both your unit and the environment. Solving this issue requires specialized equipment, so it’s not a DIY task.
An AC expert will use several methods, such as pressure testing, to locate the source of the leak. Depending on the leak’s location and severity, they’ll either repair the affected component or suggest the best replacement.
Keep Indoor Vents Unblocked
As far as home cooling tips go, it’s not just your main unit itself that you need to pay attention to. You also need to consider your indoor vents, which are the grilles in your ceilings or walls where conditioned air enters your room.
Any blockage in or around these vents can hinder air circulation, leading to uneven cooling. Vacuuming them regularly will maintain optimal circulation. If you start noticing mold, however, it’s best to contact professionals.
Inspect the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located within your mini unit or air handler. Its purpose is to absorb heat from your indoor air. Dirty coils can cause your system to freeze up because they put more strain on other components of your unit.
This is why every HVAC maintenance guide includes inspecting and cleaning the coils. It’s also another task not suited to DIY methods, as the coil is hard to access and requires the use of specialized tools and cleaners.
Gently Clean the Condenser Fins
Condenser fins are thin metal slats on the outdoor unit. Their job is to dissipate heat, which gets quite a bit more difficult once they get dirty. There’s plenty of debris that can obstruct both the unit and the fins, such as:
- Fallen leaves
- Grass clippings
- Broken twigs
You can try cleaning the fins yourself by using a garden hose to spray the fins from the inside out. Don’t use a pressure washer, as it could bend the fins. If you notice grime on the fins, you may need to use a specialized coil cleaner.
Tighten Electrical Connections
All summer cooling solutions require their circuits to be in order. If the electrical connections in your AC unit are loose, they could cause it to short-circuit. Similarly, faulty capacitors are very likely to cause system failures.
Your AC technician will inspect all electrical connections and tighten them to ensure proper conductivity. They’ll also use multimeters to test capacitor strength. If needed, they’ll recommend replacing the capacitor to maintain comfort.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your AC unit contains many moving parts, such as the fan and blower motors. As your technician will point out, these components require regular lubrication to work properly. Doing so provides the following benefits:
- Reduce friction and wear
- Prevent premature component failure
- Help the unit run more quietly
- Extends the components’ lifespan
During the tune-up, the technician will apply the appropriate lubricant to the unit’s moving parts. This will depend on the type of motor and bearings. They’ll also be careful not to overfill the bearings, as extra oil can lead to leaks.
Inspect the Entire System
Finally, your AC technician will conduct a full diagnostic check of the entire system. This allows them to catch small potential issues, such as worn belts, before they turn into major problems, preventing costly repairs.
A diagnostic check should be a routine part of your biannual HVAC maintenance plan. Beyond identifying key issues, it improves your unit’s energy efficiency and extends its overall lifespan.
This Is Your AC Maintenance Checklist
Preventive AC care is the best way to ensure your unit will keep working as intended. This AC maintenance checklist is a great place to get started!
At KD Mechanical, we know how to put the above knowledge into practice! With 50+ years of combined experience in the Virginia area, we’re aware that AC maintenance requires an honest, quality, and affordable approach.
This commitment to our clients is why we offer seasonal tune-ups at just $99! Schedule your service here to take advantage of this special offer!