Having a functional air conditioning system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable home throughout the summer. However, it’s easy to overlook the importance of annual maintenance, which helps maintain system efficiency. If you’ve never scheduled this professional service, you may ask, “What does AC maintenance include?”
Cooper’s Plumbing & Air is a respected heating and cooling contractor servicing Tallahassee, Florida, and the surrounding communities. We know the complications that can arise from HVAC systems due to a lack of regular maintenance. Consult our guide below to learn about the essential steps in the air conditioning maintenance process.
What To Expect With Routine or Preventive Cooling System Maintenance
AC maintenance includes several tasks that ensure the cooling equipment works optimally with maximum energy efficiency. If your cooling unit’s performance is declining, these tasks can help improve it.
While you could schedule cooling system maintenance at any time, it’s best to book the appointment in the spring. That way, your equipment will be ready to tackle the summer heat with fewer risks of a sudden breakdown during the hottest months of the year.
As a homeowner, you could take several steps to keep your unit in good condition. For instance, air filter replacement should occur at least once every season to trap airborne particles, which helps keep your property’s air quality clean and fresh. You can also ensure that all vents inside the home and the space around the condenser unit outside are free of blockages to allow for optimal airflow.
Although these steps can help, they aren’t enough. For a complete air conditioning tune-up, it’s best to contact a local HVAC contractor. They possess the skills and expertise to thoroughly evaluate a cooling system and handle tasks that the average homeowner may be too inexperienced to complete, such as cleaning condenser coils or working with electrical components.
Essential Maintenance Tasks for Air Conditioners
For a more in-depth answer to “What does AC maintenance include?” here are four essential tasks heating and cooling technicians complete during annual tune-ups.
1. Check and Replace the Air Filter
One of the easiest ways to keep HVAC systems running smoothly is to replace the air filter when it gets dirty. This component captures pollen, dust, and other airborne particles, preventing them from recirculating in the home whenever the cooling system runs.
The screen can clog over time, though, restricting airflow. When that happens, the air conditioner will have to overwork itself to compensate.
It’s best to replace the air filter at least once every three months, or once a month if anybody in your home has allergies or you have a pet with fur. During professional servicing, the technician will check this component and replace it if necessary.
2. Evaluate and Clean the Condenser Coil
The air conditioner’s outdoor unit houses the condenser coil, which releases trapped heat from the refrigerant into the outdoor environment. If it becomes too dirty, the coil can’t release warmth effectively, resulting in a decline in cooling performance. Your HVAC professional will inspect the condenser coil and remove any debris to ensure it functions correctly.
3. Check All Electrical Connections and Components
Your air conditioning unit runs on electricity and contains several electrical connections. Over time, these connections can loosen or sustain damage, creating safety hazards and system failures. The best way to ensure your equipment stays safe and functional is to tighten all connections and address wire damage.
4. Test Refrigerant Levels
Air conditioning refrigerant is the chemical responsible for absorbing heat and moisture from indoor air. It circulates through coils on a closed loop, so it doesn’t require periodic replacement. However, if the coils or refrigerant lines leak and the levels drop, it will impact the system’s ability to cool the home’s air.
The technician will test the refrigerant levels and make necessary adjustments during the appointment. The substance is hazardous, so it’s best to leave refrigerant leak repair and balancing to the professionals.
Other Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance Steps
While the steps above are vital to a successful air conditioning servicing appointment, they’re not the only tasks HVAC technicians complete. Seasoned heating and cooling contractors have detailed checklists that include the following:
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking system controls
- Flushing the condensate drain line
- Inspecting and calibrating the thermostat
- Assessing safety features
- Cleaning the evaporator coil
- Combing vent fins
- Testing capacitors
- Measuring the supply and return temperature differential
Some HVAC companies offer both maintenance plans and one-time services to their customers. Maintenance plans are a good investment because they typically cover annual tune-ups for heating and cooling systems. Members may also receive additional benefits, like priority services and discounts.
The Importance of Professional Maintenance for Air Conditioning Units
Some property owners consider AC maintenance as an unnecessary expense. Yet it’s necessary for ensuring HVAC units stay functional, safe, and energy efficient for as long as possible. Most air conditioners have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but inadequate maintenance can lead to premature wear, potentially causing an unexpected system shutdown.
During professional servicing, your skilled technician can identify and address minor problems before they develop into major issues. They also keep the unit’s components clean and clear, as dust and debris can hinder their performance. With the technician’s thorough inspection, cleaning, minor repairs, and replacement of worn parts, your equipment will last longer, perform better, and consume less energy.
Keep Your Air Conditioning System Running Smoothly With Expert Servicing by Cooper’s Plumbing & Air
To avoid problems such as uneven cooling, poor indoor air quality, and premature air conditioner failure, regular maintenance of your air conditioner is crucial. Knowing the answer to questions like “What does AC maintenance include?” will help you stay on top of your system’s upkeep, performance, and efficiency.
Our HVAC technicians at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air in Tallahassee, Florida, are ready to give your cooling unit the care and attention it deserves. We offer comprehensive cooling system maintenance, which includes everything from air filter replacement to thermostat calibration.
Contact Cooper’s Plumbing & Air today at (866) 464-7132 to schedule your next air conditioning tune-up in Tallahassee.