Spring‑Cleaning Your AC: A Pre‑Summer Tune‑Up Checklist
Need an AC Tune-Up? Your air conditioner needs regular care and cleaning to maintain its optimal efficiency. This is why a good spring cleaning proves of the utmost importance for summer comfort. This checklist will guide you through some essential DIY tasks and highlight the areas where a professional technician can help.
Your DIY Spring-Cleaning Game Plan
There are several tasks you can safely perform yourself when cleaning the AC this spring. Check out these tips to ensure your AC is ready for summer.
Replace the Air Filter
Dirty air filters block airflow, making the AC use more energy to keep the home cool. In addition to raising your cooling costs, this can also lead to air quality problems. Replacing the filter every four to six weeks will improve system efficiency and maintain healthy indoor air. If you use a ductless AC, you’ll need to replace the filter every two weeks. When doing the replacements, make sure to install a compatible filter. If you don’t, you’ll restrict airflow and reduce cooling performance.
Inspect Thermostat Settings
Make sure the thermostat has correct calibration by comparing its reading with a separate thermometer. If the device doesn’t respond to temperature adjustments, you’ll need to check the batteries. You may also need to reset the thermostat or replace it entirely. Upgrading the thermostat with a programmable or smart version can increase comfort and reduce energy costs.
Clear Area Around the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor part of the AC must have adequate airflow to function properly. Nearby trees and shrubbery can easily block the airflow as leaves and twigs fall and accumulate. Keeping the area around the unit clean and clear will prevent overheating and reduced cooling efficiency. A good rule of thumb is to ensure at least two feet of clearance around the unit for proper ventilation.
Clean the Drain Line
The drain line on your AC has the specific job of removing condensation from the system. If the line clogs with algae, mold or dirt, it will prevent the water from draining. It might even back up into your home, causing major water damage. To clean the line, you’ll need to flush it with vinegar and clear any visible blockages.
Wipe Down All Air Vents
You don’t want dust and dirt to accumulate on air vents. When this happens, it’ll restrict airflow and circulate dirty air throughout your home. By wiping them down regularly, you’ll ensure air can flow freely through them. This is essential to making sure all parts of the home stay cool.
Jobs Best Left to Our Technicians
You can save money by doing certain AC maintenance yourself, but there are some services that are better handled by experts. Here’s a look at the maintenance we’ll perform when you hire us for an AC tune-up.
Cleaning the Coils
Over time, dirt and grime will collect on the AC’s evaporator and condenser coils. This diminishes the coils’ capacity to absorb and release heat, which, in turn, causes a drop in efficiency. You can use a vacuum on the outside of the coils to clean them, but an expert cleaner will do a better job. We’ll use specialized brushes and cleaning chemicals to eliminate any stubborn buildup.
Refrigerant Level Check
Low refrigerant affects AC performance by reducing cooling capacity and forcing the system to run longer. This is why we’ll check the level during a tune-up. If the level is low, this means there’s a leak somewhere. We might be able to fix the leak by sealing connections or replacing damaged lines. Handling refrigerant requires proper training and certification, which is why it’s important to leave this to a professional.
Inspecting Electrical Components
Your AC has lots of electrical connections that can become loose over time. They can also become corroded or damaged due to moisture exposure or power surges. Fixing loose or faulty wiring is vital to maintaining the AC’s performance. To test connections, we’ll inspect terminals and use a multimeter to check voltage.
Checking and Replacing the Blower Belt or Fan
We’ll check the blower belt and fan for wear, cracks and damage. These parts must function properly to push air efficiently. We may need to lubricate the fan motor to ensure smooth operation. If the blower assembly has lots of damage or wear, we might recommend replacing the whole blower assembly.
Ductwork Inspection for Leaks or Blockages
A ductwork inspection is another crucial part of air conditioner maintenance. Leaks in ducts will let conditioned air escape before it reaches its intended destination. Your AC will use more energy to keep the home cool and experience unnecessary wear. By finding and sealing air leaks, we’ll make sure the whole home enjoys cool, comfortable living spaces. This will also help the AC last longer.
Why a Pre-Summer Tune-Up Beats a Mid-Summer Breakdown
Scheduling an air conditioning tune-up right before summer rolls around is a smart move for several reasons. If you wait until the last minute and ignore the warning signs, you risk the AC breaking down when it’s hottest outside. This can result in dangerous living quarters as the heat and moisture build up. You might even notice mold growth or musty odors. A pre-summer tune-up will avoid these potential risks and save money on cooling costs.
Ready to Book Your Service?
You can do a lot of air conditioning maintenance yourself, but you don’t have to go at it completely alone. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating offers expert tune-ups for ACs of all types. We’ll do a thorough inspection, clean all parts and perform any necessary repairs so you enjoy a cool, comfortable, energy-efficient home all summer.
Don’t wait until the heat is unbearable — book your pre-summer air conditioner tune-up today! We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.