Air Conditioning Maintenance
Whether you’ve recently replaced your air conditioner or have had the same unit for the last decade, homeowners need to know how to take care of their HVAC systems. Air conditioning maintenance is the best way to keep your cooling system running smoothly, reducing the need for expensive repairs over time.
What are common AC maintenance checks I should perform at home?
Routine air conditioning maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your HVAC system and ensuring your air conditioner is working efficiently throughout the cooling season. Here’s a list of some AC maintenance checks homeowners should conduct when switching from heat to air conditioning:
Read More: Understand How Heating and Cooling Maintenance Works
Replace Air Filters
Your HVAC air filter plays a simple role – it captures dirt, debris and airborne allergens, preventing these items from entering your home. So it’s only logical that it fills up after months of use, making it less effective at its job over time.
Homeowners should change air filters every 3 months. This typically aligns with the changing of a season, and a change in how you use your HVAC system.
Clean Vents & Air Ducts
Consider scheduling a professional duct cleaning before turning on the AC for the summer. Common allergens like dust, pet dander, and even mold can build up in your vents, which can make it difficult to keep your home clean and lead to diminished air quality.
Other ways you can prevent dust and debris from accumulating in your vents include:
- Cleaning vent covers
- Using a dehumidifier, which reduces the risk of mold and dust mites
- Eliminating clutter around your home
- Vacuuming with a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter bag
Remove Debris from Outdoor Unit
Make sure that your air conditioning operates at peak efficiency all summer long by removing any debris, like leaves or twigs, that has accumulated on or around your HVAC unit. It’s also important to clean any dust or dirt that has built up vents or other critical cooling parts, like the evaporator coil.
Check Thermostat Settings
Oftentimes, air conditioning issues aren’t related to the HVAC system, but rather an error with your thermostat settings. A power surge or electrical glitch can cause your thermostat to reset to default settings. If your home isn’t being cooled effectively, check your thermostat before calling in an HVAC professional.
What is done during a professional AC maintenance check?
Preventive air conditioning maintenance keeps your system running at peak, trouble-free efficiency. Professional AC maintenance inspections include the following checks:
- Proper Voltage & Amperage
- Blower & Motor Assembly
- Inspect Condenser Coils
- Electric Strip Heaters
- Proper Refrigerant
- Visible Leaks
- Pulleys & Belts
- Vibration Noise
- For Clean Indoor Coil
- For Clean Filters
- Fan Limit Switch
- Thermostat
- Heat Exchanger
- Motors & Lubricate
- Condensate Drain
- Safety of System
- Electrical Connections
- Burners
- Contactors & Relays
- Supply & Return Temperatures
- Compressor Operation
Read More: Preventative Maintenance Checks
How often should my air conditioning system be checked by a professional?
Homeowners should have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year — once prior to the cooling season and once prior to the heating season. An annual AC maintenance check helps uncover underlying issues that could lead to expensive repairs down the line, and ensures your cooling system is operating efficiently.
Trust the AC Maintenance Experts at CroppMetcalfe
CroppMetcalfe is a reliable name in the HVAC industry. Our 5-Star Technicians have years of experience in air conditioning maintenance, repairs, and installations. We also offer HVAC service agreements to guarantee peace of mind for our customers. With our Bronze, Silver and Gold HVAC Service Agreements, homeowners can expect:
- Priority Emergency Service
- Planned Maintenance Inspections
- Discounts on Repairs
- Labor Coverage for Diagnostics and Repairs
- Replacement Parts*
Call 1-800-462-7677 to speak with one of our HVAC experts or contact us online to schedule air conditioning maintenance.
What locations does CroppMetcalfe service for air conditioning maintenance?
CroppMetcalfe provides AC maintenance services to the entire D.C. metro area including:
… and more!