Did you know that most air conditioner warranties require a seasonal tune-up as a condition of coverage? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises it, too. That’s because seasonal AC maintenance can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 10%. Let’s explore the maintenance and repair essentials you can perform on your own and those you should entrust to your HVAC technician.
Check Your HVAC Filter
Spring is a great time to check your HVAC filter and ensure you’re using the best filter for your system. The industry rates air filters using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale. A higher MERV indicates better filtration, but a filter with too high a MERV can restrict airflow too much. Choose a filter with the highest MERV your AC supports. Doing so will keep your AC cleaner and help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). If you’re unsure what your AC supports, call your HVAC company, or ask during your maintenance appointment.
We recommend checking the filter at least once a month as soon as you start using your AC. Some households may need to check even more frequently. Swap it out as soon as you can see the dust caking up on it. We also recommend having a supply of extra filters on hand so that you always have one available when you need it.
If you have a ductless AC, check the filter for each indoor unit every two weeks. Wash the filters by hand and let them dry completely before reinserting them. That makes it handy to have spares available for each indoor unit. Replace those filters after a year, or two if you’re rotating a set, of use.
Prepare Your Outdoor Unit
Most central and ductless AC systems have an outdoor unit, also known as a condenser unit. If you cover your outdoor unit during winter, remove, clean and stow that cover.
If you don’t cover it during winter, look inside. There are probably a lot of leaves and other debris in there. Blow or sweep as much of that detritus out of the outdoor unit as possible.
You should maintain a perimeter around that housing that measures at least 1 foot. Many experts recommend 2 feet or more. That area should be free of grass, bushes and any other growth. You should also cut back any overhanging branches that may be encroaching into that perimeter.
Have Your Ducts Inspected
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends an annual duct inspection. Note that a spring tune-up doesn’t include an inspection, but you can schedule it at the same time. During the inspection, your technician can show you if you have issues with dust accumulation or worn seals.
If there’s significant dust accumulation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends duct cleaning. Your technician will use an industrial vacuum to extract all that dust. If you have worn seals, the EPA advises duct resealing via the aerosol method.
If you do not need duct cleaning this year, go room to room and clean each vent. Using a microfiber duster, clean the face of the vents. You should also open them and clean up into the duct as far as possible.
Consider Air Balancing
Air balancing is another service that you can schedule alongside your spring tune-up. This is a process through which your technician evaluates the airflow of the blower, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). To balance the system, the technician will then ensure the optimal CFM through each vent in the home. Note that if you have advanced HVAC zoning with duct dampers and the like, experts recommend scheduling this service annually.
Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up
The industry recommendation is to schedule your AC tune-up in spring prior to needing to cool your home during the summer. This service includes a multipoint inspection, comprehensive cleaning and correction of minor wear and tear that only a professional can perform. In the sections ahead, we’ll cover the essential maintenance for each major aspect of the system.
Condenser Unit Maintenance
The outdoor unit houses the refrigerant system, condenser fan, condenser pump and condenser coil. The coil requires cleaning annually. Grime accumulation leads to inefficient operation and increased electricity costs. Your technician will break down the condenser pump to lubricate it and inspect the internal components. It’s important to lubricate the fan and check the fan blades and condenser fins. Refrigerant pressure testing will reveal nonobvious leaks, such as a micro-leak. Your technician will also check the HVAC disconnect switch.
Air Handler Maintenance
The air handler is a multi-component system that comprises the air filter, blower motor and evaporator coil. We’ve already touched on the air filter, and we’ll discuss the evaporator coil in its own section. The blower is the powerful fan that draws air into the system and pushes it into your living spaces. Your technician needs to break down the blower, rebuild it and calibrate it. For the electrical system, it’s necessary to test control boards, tighten electrical connections and replace worn wires.
Evaporator Coil Maintenance
The evaporator coil is a central component of an AC. Air flows over the coil, and heat energy in the air transfers to the refrigerant. That refrigerant then goes to the condenser pump where the heat energy transfers outside the home. The evaporation process creates moisture, which leads to significant grime accumulation and the potential for biological growth. An evaporator coil requires annual cleaning. A dirty evaporator coil is the leading cause of high energy costs, and it can also negatively impact your IAQ.
Condensate Drainage Maintenance
The evaporator coil creates moisture. The condensate drainage system collects that moisture and funnels it outside the home. There are three main parts: the drip pan, wet switch and condensate drain line. The moisture drips into the pan, which requires annual cleaning to avoid buildup and biological growth. The wet switch protects you against flooding if the condensate drain line has a blockage. Your technician will test the switch and also check the drain line and clear it out as needed.
Thermostat Maintenance
Most thermostats have contacts under the faceplate that get dirty with time. Your technician will clean those contacts. The next step is to put the thermostat in its test mode in order to run the AC. Your technician will also use a separate thermometer to ensure that yours is reading correctly.
Perform Preventative Repairs
During your spring AC maintenance, your technician may recommend preventative repairs. This is when you replace a component, such as a capacitor, that’s failing but still functioning. Such proactive repairs are never required but are highly advisable. They will save you money and also the headache of having to deal with the repair unexpectedly during summer. Common preventative repairs include replacing:
- Valves
- Switches
- Ball bearings
- Control boards
Spring AC Maintenance in Springboro
If you’d like to schedule your AC tune-up ahead of summer, Universal Heating & Cooling is here for you. Our NATE-certified technicians also install and repair central and ductless ACs. We install, maintain and repair furnaces and ducted and ductless heat pumps. You can call us anytime for an emergency repair. Our company installs UV light purification. We also clean, seal and repair ductwork and install attic insulation.
Contact us today to learn more about these AC repair and maintenance services or to schedule an appointment in Springboro.