Happens every Summer. Air conditioners that functioned fine all year when the average high temperature was 85 degrees can't keep up when the temperature spikes above 95. This can be an indication of an undersized system or an improperly installed duct system but 95% of the time it is an indicator of lack of proper maintenance.
While many people switch on their units in the Spring and hope for the best, savvy homeowners know that in order to assure that your air conditioning works in the heat of summer, you have to invest in proper care and maintenance.
Air conditioning maintenance checklist
In order to ensure that your air conditioner will keep you cool this summer, proper air conditioning maintenance should include all of the following steps:
• Clean the outdoor condensers and indoor evaporator coils – coils are among the most important parts of your air conditioner. The condenser coil houses the refrigerant lines and surrounds the fins that line the outdoor cabinet of your AC. The evaporator coil is the part of your AC that absorbs heat and makes the air cold. If you have dirt or debris on either of these, it can reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency and put unnecessary stress on the unit’s moving parts.
• Check the refrigerant level – too little refrigerant in your air conditioner will require your system to work extra hard to provide cooling, reducing the efficiency (and, ultimately, the lifespan) of your unit.and if you are low on refrigerant you have a leak or someone letting it out.This needs to be fixed if you can without replacement
• Inspect the indoor and outdoor drain pans and condensate drains – since air conditioners provide cooling as well as dehumidification, a lot of moisture can build up in the unit. If the drains are dirty or blocked, that moisture can become trapped either in the unit or in your house.
• Check the outdoor fan blades and indoor blower – the outdoor fan is what pulls air into the air conditioner; the indoor blower is what moves it through your home. These may need to be readjusted and cleaned as part of your air conditioning maintenance so they can provide maximum airflow.
• Check the compressor and the refrigerant tubing( I,E suction line insulation)
• Lubricate (fan motors, compressors, etc.)if needed
• Inspect all electrical controls, wiring and connections – all electrical components and hookups should be routinely checked during air conditioning maintenance for wear and damage.
• Run a general air conditioner test – an important step of air conditioning maintenance is simply turning the AC unit off and on to check the operating functions such as the start cycle and shut off controls. The air conditioning contractor will also check for unusual noises or odors, measure indoor and outdoor temperatures and check system pressures as needed.
• Check the ductwork for leaks or other issues –while you shouldn’t need to inspect your ductwork as part of your yearly air conditioning maintenance, you should have it checked at least every few years to make sure there are no leaks or blockages. Problems in your ductwork are one of the leading causes of inefficiency in forced air AC systems, sometimes accounting for as much as 30% losses in efficiency!
Are there any air conditioning maintenance steps you can do?
Yes! At home air conditioning steps are pretty simple:
• Clean or replace dirty air filters monthly – dirty air filters are the number one cause of slow air flow for most air conditioners. If left long enough, dirty air filters can get so bad that they can cause your evaporator coil to ice up! Make sure to change your air filters once a month to keep your air flowing as smoothly as possible.
• Keep your condenser unit clear – your outdoor air conditioner compressor draws air in from around it, which it moves through your system and blows into your house as cool air. Needless to say, the compressor needs easy airflow! Cut back any trees or shrubs around your air conditioner compressor so that you have at least two feet of space around all sides.
*Note – many people plant trees or bushes around the compressor to hide it from view. This is not recommended. Manufacturers suggest 24" of clearance around all sides of your outside unit.
When is the best time to schedule air conditioner maintenance?
The best time to schedule air conditioner maintenance is early spring, before the summer heat really starts to kick in. If you have waited until the middle of the summer, it is important that you consider having maintenance NOW! Don't be at the bottom of the list as a thousand other people scramble to get their air conditioners serviced at the same time. Remember – preventive air conditioner maintenance is always better than air conditioner repair or replacement!
