Are you keeping up with seasonal HVAC maintenance? From the most traditional AC to a cutting-edge ductless mini-split, all cooling systems share much of their underlying technology, and all of them thrive with routine maintenance to keep wear and tear at bay. Today, we’ll look at why and how homeowners should prepare their systems for the hot days ahead.
Why You Should Prep Your AC for Summer
All complex machinery wears down over time with operation, and your AC is no exception. Over a year of heating up and cooling off, moving parts rubbing against one another, varying loads, operating with poor airflow or dirty coils, etc., a system works less efficiently and becomes more likely to experience serious problems. Reducing all of these issues with regular attention saves you money and stress by keeping your system energy-efficient, minimizing the risk of breakdowns, and extending system lifespan.Â
Change the Filter
Your air conditioner’s filter is designed to be replaced—or, in some rare cases, cleaned—every few months at minimum, more frequently if you have high levels of dust and dander or use filters rated to remove smaller particles, such as HEPA filters. Depending on your system’s design, the filter might be seated over your air intake or slotted directly into your air handler. Make sure to match measurements precisely to the existing filter.
Make Sure Vents are Clear
Putting aside the basic problem of certain rooms ending up hot, blocked ducts can cause unusual results from your air conditioner, such as humidity buildup and leading to frozen evaporator coils. Avoid running your AC excessively and issues with air quality by checking that all vents are open, clean, and clear of impediments.
Clean the Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is the large outdoor component of your air conditioner system, where heat is vented from refrigerant heated into a gaseous form until it cools off enough to be sent back inside as a liquid to pick up more heat. If your condenser unit is dirty, obstructed, full of leaves, etc., then this process becomes less efficient or impossible, and your system efficiency is reduced. Â
Test Your ThermostatÂ
Your thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system, determining what turns on and when. Make sure it’s ready for the summer with proper testing and calibration, so you can trust it to keep your home at the intended temperature. Replace old batteries and follow and procedures recommended by the manufacturer’s guide for testing and calibration for complete peace of mind and efficient, effective cooling.
Schedule Your Spring Tune-Up
DIY work is important to keeping your AC at its best, but it doesn’t cover every base. Your AC is built with routine professional tune-ups in mind. Such service will lubricate moving parts, replace small parts that wear down quickly, tighten electrical connections, and identify any serious problems that might develop. Scheduling in the spring ensures your air conditioner is as reliable, energy-efficient, and powerful as possible when the summer highs arrive.
Call Hager Fox for Summer HVAC Maintenance
Whether you’re looking for guidance in keeping your system at its peak or have discovered a problem you can’t handle on your own, you can count on Hager Fox Heating and Air Conditioning for your summer HVAC service needs. Our background-checked, NATE-certified technicians will have your system running at its absolute best in no time. We’re committed to excellence in all respects; that’s why we use no subcontractors and guarantee 100% satisfaction.
When you’re ready to schedule your spring AC maintenance or have problems with your AC resolved, contact the Hager Fox team online or give us a call.
