The winter is almost over, which means switching from thinking about heating your home to cooling your home. And, the first thing on the list is making sure your air conditioning system is in peak condition by having it checked out, tuned up, repaired or even replaced. The air conditioner requires spring maintenance just like the furnace requires fall maintenance. This maintenance ensures your units are prepared to cool or warm your home during their respective upcoming seasons.

So, having your air conditioner tuned up will ensure it runs efficiently, cools your home comfortably and lasts a long time. Besides that, neglecting your unit could have consequences, such as a costly breakdown or replacement. There are, however, some preventative measures you can take that will keep your unit running well all summer long. While we always recommend contacting air conditioner specialists, like Gibbon, this is meant to give you an idea of what can and should be done to maintain your air conditioner.

Cleaning Drains and Condensate Lines

Drains and condensate lines are vulnerable to accumulating debris. This debris leads to overflow, which causes mold growth, water damage and system failure. Having the condensate lines, evaporator coils and the condenser cleaned at least once a year will prevent harmful moisture and dust buildup. Drain lines that are checked for proper drainage and drain pans that are cleared of standing water will prevent overflow from occurring.

Routine Cleaning

Having your unit cleaned at least once a year is vital to its efficiency and continued operation. Routine cleaning can prevent equipment failure and extend the lifespan of your system. Air conditioning systems typically last for at least 15 years, but systems that are neglected and dirty will expire much sooner than this. Additionally, air ducts or vents should be cleared of dust, debris and dander build up during a regular cleaning session. The state and cleanliness of your air ducts can negatively affect your entire HVAC system and cause serious issues within your air conditioner.

Changing the Filters and Checking the Vents

Air filters on an HVAC system should be changed at least twice a year. This will prevent dirty filters from causing damage to your air conditioner. However, while changing the filters, you should check out other components, as well, such as the vents and condensate line. Dirty or leaking vents, poor drainage and a clogged condensate line can all cause your system to run at a less than optimal level. This will cause the equipment to work harder and use more energy to cool your home, which will only lead to higher energy costs.

Checking the Overall Condition and Operation of Your System

Before your air conditioner can be turned on, you must ensure that all of its components are working properly. You can do this by having your system tuned up and the overall condition of your equipment checked. A tune up will include:

• Tightening loose electrical connections to prevent loss of power
• Changing worn belts and dirty filters
• Checking the refrigerant charge and refilling as needed
• Checking the cooling tower for proper operation
• Evaluating the effectiveness of your unit by checking for proper airflow in blades and blowers
• Lubricating idle mechanical parts
• Testing moisture levels checking for moisture and rust buildup and mold growth
• Replacing worn pulleys
• Testing controls and thermostats to ensure set temperatures are maintained, batteries are operating properly and timer functions are set properly

If you’re ready to get your air conditioner inspected or think you may require an air conditioner repair before summer, give us a call to schedule an appointment.