Routine AC Maintenance Planning
Spring will be a typically mild season. It is additionally the best time to budget your savings for an air conditioner tune-up. If performed now, it could prevent most small issues from becoming major, costly issues later.
Contrary to common belief, ACs don’t consume freon as cars consume oil, so underneath the best conditions it will never require filling or changing. Thus, low freon levels indicate leaks that ought to be repaired prior to adding more. As many newer system connections will be welded in order to minimize leaks, most old units (eight years and up) were connected using mechanical flared fittings that might vibrate loose over a period of years, leading to leaks.
Our company recommends yearly AC check-ups within the springtime and furnace check-ups each autumn. Though consistent checkups won’t guarantee that the air conditioning unit will continuously work ideally through the season, they’ll reveal many small issues which could lead to bigger, more expensive issues if not attended to.
What can homeowners do to maintain their air conditioner unit?
The initial aspect to examine prior to turning on the air conditioner unit will be to be sure the condensing unit situated outside isn’t covered up. A unit must draw air inside the system to have something to blow out and cool inside, yet the process will be hindered if it can’t pull enough air within from the outside.
AC Maintenance Plan
Your cooling system performs ideally with consistent maintenance. A couple of annual service calls (one within the Springtime and one within Autumn) assists in keeping the system well-tuned and makes sure it’s prepared for the coming season. Here is a checklist that is used by our technicians on each service call:
- Fans are cleaned and inspected to ensure correct air delivery
- Freon checked for correct charge and to ensure no leaks
- Exposed ductwork is checked for leaks
- Thermostats are calibrated and checked if needed
- Bearings and motors are lubricated if needed
- Safeties and controls as tested as required
- Condensate drain is checked
- Contactors and relays are inspected
- Electrical disconnect and AC unit wiring are inspected
- Humidifier operation is checked, if applicable
- Pressures and temperatures are recorded
- Evaporator coil is inspected
- Air filters are checked and replaced if needed
- Condenser coils are checked and power washed if needed
- Furnish an inspection report and discuss all abnormal conditions, needed repairs or additional action which needs to take place
