AC Maintenance Checklist: What Your Technician Should Be Doing
With the heat of summer fast approaching, everyone should begin thinking about their air conditioning unit and how it is performing. Is it ready to keep your home cool on the hottest days? Is it reliable enough for your needs? The only way to be assured of your unit’s reliability and efficiency is through a regular maintenance schedule, particularly before the start of a new season. In this blog, we will review a typical maintenance service and what your HVAC tech will do to care for your AC unit. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about air conditioning maintenance.
What is Checked During AC Maintenance?
Have you wondered what AC maintenance is all about? Read on and learn exactly what we do when we service an air conditioning unit. The steps outlined below make a big difference in the function and longevity of the unit.
Check and Replace Air Filters
First things first, we start by checking the filters. Sometimes we can clean them for reuse. But there are also times when they are too clogged and dirty that they need to be replaced. This helps with AC efficiency and maintains proper air quality inside the home.
Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils accumulate a lot of dust and debris. This accumulation prevents the AC from circulating the air appropriately through the unit. We ensure these vital components are clean and ready to serve your home.
Check and Adjust Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant fluids to an AC are like blood to a human being. Without enough refrigerant fluid, it won’t be able to cool your home efficiently. When there’s too much of it, the unit may freeze. Thus, we ensure that the refrigerant fluid is at an appropriate level, adjusting it accordingly to promote safe, efficient function.
Inspect and Clean the Blower Assembly
The blower assembly pushes the cool area into the ducts and through the vents. If it isn’t working properly or is dirty, the system won’t cool your home and can even catch on fire. We ensure that this component is clean, adjusted, and that the blower bearings are in good condition.
Check and Tighten Electrical Connections
Another important step in HVAC maintenance is its electrical connections. Sometimes they loosen or become frayed, which is especially the case in older units. We check these electrical connections to ensure the safety of the unit.
Inspect Ductwork
Ductwork is what the conditioned air flows through to each room. We inspect the ductwork during a maintenance visit to ensure that it is clean and that there are no obstructions, gaps, or cracks. This ensures that there are no air leaks and that you breathe clean air at home.
FAQ: AC Maintenance
Now that you know what to expect from your HVAC tech during a maintenance service, let’s answer some of the most common questions on the subject.
Is it Necessary to Clean AC Outdoor Unit?
Yes! Large accumulations of debris can and will impact how your AC functions. Decayed leaves on the unit may fall into the coils, and that rotten smell will travel through the house. Too much dirt will also slow down the work of the compressor, leading to expensive repairs and energy costs.
How Long Can an AC Run Without Damage?
The length of time that an AC can run without damage depends on its age, quality of installation, and the surrounding environmental conditions. It is fine to let your AC run for several hours without fearing any damage. However, we recommend giving it a break after 8-10 hours of continuous operation.
How Do You Know AC Needs Servicing?
Here are the common signs that your AC needs servicing:
- It’s been a year since the last service
- You noticed poor airflow coming from the vents
- The home isn’t being cooled appropriately
- You smell foul odors
- There are strange sounds during the AC’s operation
- There are high humidity levels in the home
- Your energy bills are skyrocketing
Schedule Your Maintenance Visit with the Dream Team Today!
Is your air conditioning unit ready for the summer? Contact the Dream Team today in Denham Springs to schedule your ac maintenance visit and live your most comfortable life at home through the hot months!
