Many people anticipate summer due to the pleasant weather conditions. Summer can be hot, but with a properly functioning air conditioning system, you can stay cool and comfortable throughout the season. When the temperatures rise, you don’t want to be caught in the heat. The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail or to blow hot air when you need it the most.
You can, however, avoid a situation like this by performing AC maintenance in the spring in preparation for the summer. Since you turned off your air conditioner over the winter, the outdoor unit would have gathered a lot of dirt and would need to be cleaned. Furthermore, air filter replacement and other necessary checks are required for optimal operation.
Effective AC Maintenance Tips
Safety First
Turn off the AC unit’s circuit breaker and unplug it from the power source before you begin maintenance. Turning the condenser off at the service panel is critical. The condenser typically features a 240-volt disconnect box near the unit. The box contains a circuit breaker, a lever, and fuses; turn everything off before proceeding.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters can have an impact on the flow of cool air as well as the quality of the indoor air. The air filter is supposed to catch dirt and dust, but if it gets clogged up, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the air. Attempt to replace your air filters at least twice a year. Lift the plastic cover panel on the indoor unit gently to inspect the condition of the air filters. Remove them for cleaning or replacement if you notice significant clogging. Consider inspecting the air filters on a quarterly basis to improve unit performance. Filters that get clogged can send dust back into your space, which can make some people sick and make your air conditioner work less well.
Clean the Condenser Coils in Your Air Conditioner
Condenser coils infested with debris can reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. HVAC systems typically have their condenser unit outside. If you covered your condenser over the winter, there may not be much debris to clear.
If not, your condenser unit could have a lot of sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris in it.
Do the following to clean the coils:
Remove your condenser unit’s protective, or side and top, panels. Before removing the condenser unit’s body panels, double-check that it is turned off.
Remove the top. Keep in mind that the fan may come off with the top, so use caution when handling. Don’t pull or disconnect any of the fan’s cables.
To clean the outside of the coils, use a soft brush with a vacuum or a refrigerator coil brush. Take care not to use too much force. Brushing too hard can harm the delicate fins
Inspect the Coolant Lines
The condition of the refrigerant tubes within your air conditioner that transport hot and cold air has a significant impact on system efficiency. These lines are insulated with foam; look for sections with missing or frayed insulation. If you discover that multiple pipe sections are missing insulation, replace the foam insulation sleeves. Spiral the insulation around the tubes for added protection.
Test the Unit
Testing follows the removal of debris from the condenser and the assembly of loose parts. Turn on the condenser while turning off the thermostat.
Set the thermostat to cool after turning on the air conditioner from the main panel. If you do a good job, you’ll notice improved airflow, air quality, and efficient cooling.
DIY AC maintenance, while less expensive, may not be as effective as hiring professionals. Furthermore, your HVAC system may have underlying problems that routine maintenance cannot resolve. Even if you perform the recommended annual maintenance, appliances are unpredictable.
Reasons to Hire Professional Maintenance Services
Energy Efficiency
Dirt and worn-out parts are major causes of HVAC system failure. Cleaning air filters and coils is only one aspect of maintenance services. Professional HVAC technicians perform a thorough inspection and repair any issues that are affecting system efficiency. A well-maintained and effective air conditioner will keep your home cooler for less money and work better.
Experience
You will never know more than an AC expert, no matter how many tutorial videos you watch. Remember that the best teacher is experience. Attempting to maintain or repair your heating and cooling systems could deplete your savings.
If this occurs, it will be an experience you will never forget. Fairway Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can help you instead of trying to save money by damaging your air conditioning. Our services are precise and reasonably priced. Please contact us at 813-443-9439.
Avoid Warranty Damage
When attempting installation, maintenance, or repair on your air conditioning system, you may void the warranty. A broken system will hurt your finances, and you might have to buy a new one or pay for things that the manufacturer’s warranty should cover.
HVAC specialists are well-versed in HVAC systems. They can install and service your heat pump, air conditioner, and other HVAC appliances without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
Safety
DIY air conditioning maintenance carries a significant amount of risk. You must have prior experience working with electrical components, such as fan blades, condenser coils, and other AC components.
Avoid injuring yourself and incurring medical expenses in order to save money. If you are unable to complete the task, do not hesitate to contact an AC professionals like Fairway Heating and Cooling.
Get Professional Help
Even though the ideas in this article are simple, even a small maintenance mistake can lead to a lot of work or even the need to replace the whole air conditioning system. If you find these steps too difficult or don’t want to risk damaging your unit, Fairway Heating & Cooling,LLC can help. We specialize in air conditioning repair, replacement, and service.
Our expert technicians test for refrigerant leaks, check thermostat accuracy, measure airflow, and check the electricals of your HVAC system to ensure your unit’s efficiency. We are happy to handle your AC maintenance and deliver top-notch services. Don’t try to do it yourself. Call us at 813-443-9439 right away.
