Seasonal AC Maintenance Checklist Every Homeowner Should Follow
During the hottest months of the year in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, air conditioners are necessary for achieving indoor comfort. Like other major appliances in your home, they need maintenance to ensure their efficiency and reliability. A seasonal AC checklist can help you plan for the tasks you need to tackle before the weather heats up. Our team at McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning can help with seasonal maintenance and necessary repairs.
Replace Your HVAC Filter
The filter in your HVAC system requires replacement every 30 to 90 days. Skipping filter changes can lead to equipment strain, indoor air quality issues, and insufficient cool air. If you or someone in your home suffers from spring or summer allergies, follow a more frequent filter-change schedule. Also, consider upgrading to a filter with a higher minimum efficiency rating (MERV). Typically, a residential cooling system needs a filter rated MERV 8 to 13. We can advise you about which is best for your home.
If you have a reusable HVAC filter, follow the instructions on it for the appropriate cleaning frequency. Make sure you allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back in place. Otherwise, moisture could promote mold growth in your HVAC system and ductwork. People who suffer from allergies often find that replacing their filter helps them maintain better indoor air quality, especially during warm-weather months.
Inspect Your Condenser
Your outdoor AC condenser unit should always have a few feet of clearance around it. Inspect this area and clear away grass, weeds, plants, and debris. You can also rinse the exterior of your condenser with a garden hose if it appears dirty. Avoid using high-pressure water, as this can damage interior fins. Keeping your condenser clear can promote sufficient airflow through your system.
Inspect and Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The condenser and evaporator coils inside your AC equipment can become coated with debris over time. This buildup can prevent your cooling system from releasing heat and functioning efficiently. Our team can help you with this maintenance task, ensuring we do not damage interior components. Skipping this seasonal AC maintenance can lead to inconsistent cooling, wear and tear, and higher monthly utility bills.
Flush the Condensate Drain Line
As your cooling system runs, it removes moisture from the air passing through it. This moisture then drains through a condensate line and away from your home. Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can clog this line, leading to backups. Water damage can compromise the safety and functionality of your AC.
Locate your drain line near your indoor AC unit. Pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain to prevent algae growth and mineral deposits. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from the drain line. If the buildup is substantial, have a professional clear the drain line.
Maintain & Adjust Your Thermostat
Replace the batteries in your thermostat before the start of the cooling season. Make sure you set your thermostat to the cooling mode. Test your AC before warm weather arrives. Many homeowners wait to test their system until they’re in the middle of a heat wave. If something is malfunctioning, it can be difficult to get an appointment to get your AC running quickly.
Consider the schedule you have programmed into your thermostat. Raising the temperature setting by 1 or 2 degrees can save you money on your cooling costs. Minimize AC use when you are away from home or on vacation.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can help you reduce energy consumption and improve system convenience. These devices can alert you when you need AC repairs or when it’s time to schedule routine maintenance.
Schedule Routine Inspections
Have our team come to your home before spring and summer begin. We can inspect interior components, lubricate moving parts, tighten loose connections, and make minor repairs. We will inspect refrigerant levels and ensure you aren’t dealing with a leak. Taking care of these tasks each year can protect your AC from problems that require expensive repairs. We can also assess the condition of your cooling system and determine if you should consider replacing your AC. Doing so before the summer rush offers priority scheduling and sometimes better availability of products and parts.
Schedule Ductwork Inspections
In addition to scheduling annual maintenance and inspections for your AC equipment, consider having a professional inspect your ductwork. If your ductwork is damaged, it allows cool air to leak into unoccupied spaces. You’ll spend more to keep your home. You may notice a change in your air quality as well. Particulate matter can enter your system through small holes and cracks and circulate through your home.
Contact McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning Today
Taking care of your air conditioner each year helps it run better and last longer. Simple steps such as changing filters and keeping the appliance clean can prevent many common problems. At McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning, we have been providing HVAC services for over 85 years and handle air conditioning repair, installation, and replacement as well as cooling system maintenance.
You can depend on our professionals for a full inspection and reliable service. Contact McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your AC maintenance.