It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about your AC maintenance checklist for 2022. What should you be looking for when you perform your annual maintenance check? And more importantly, who can help you if something goes wrong? Expert Air will discuss everything you need to know about AC maintenance in the coming year in this blog post. We’ll also provide a few tips on how to find the best air conditioning service in your area.
Preventive Maintenance
The first step in any good AC maintenance routine is to create a preventive maintenance checklist. This step will help you keep track of all the essential tasks you need to complete to keep your AC unit running smoothly. Here are a few items that should be on your list:
Optimal Maintenance Periods
It’s important to know when your AC unit was manufactured so you can schedule maintenance and repairs accordingly. Most units have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. If your unit is getting older, it’s imperative to be diligent about maintenance. You may need to schedule frequent check-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly.
HVAC Complexity Levels
The level of complexity of your AC unit will also influence how often you need to schedule maintenance. If you have a simple AC unit, likely, you won’t need to schedule as many check-ups. However, if your unit is more complex, it’s essential to be more diligent about scheduling maintenance appointments.
Your AC Unit’s Location
Another factor to consider is the location of your AC unit. If you have located it where it’s more likely to be exposed to dirt, dust, and other debris, you may need to schedule more frequent appointments. This factor needs consideration because these particles can clog up the unit and cause it to work less efficiently.
Average Running Times
Another thing to consider is how long your AC unit typically runs. If it’s running for more extended periods, it may need more frequent check-ups. This precaution is because the unit will be working harder and may be more likely to experience problems.
DIY Maintenance
You can do some things to help keep your AC unit in good shape. While specific jobs should be left to the professionals, there are others that you can and should do yourself:
Cleaning the external unit
The external unit includes the condenser and compressor. Your external unit might be in your attic or garage, despite the name. The purpose of your external unit is to remove the heat from your home. To clean your external unit, you should:
- Step One: Power off the unit
- Step Two: Clear debris around the unit
- Step Three: Clean and straighten the air conditioner fins
- Step Four: Clean the condenser fan
- Step Five: Cleaning fins inside out
Cleaning the internal unit
The internal unit is the air handler. The air handler is what moves the cooled air through your home via a system of ducts. You should clean your internal unit every spring. To clean your internal unit, you should:
- Step One: Clean the evaporator coil
- Step Two: Clean the evaporator drain
- Step Three: Change the blower filter
Professional Maintenance
While you can and should take care of some maintenance tasks independently, others should only be handled by a professional. These include:
Sizing your air conditioner
When installing a new air conditioner, you need professional help to ensure that your system is appropriately sized for your home. An air conditioner that’s too small won’t cool your home effectively, and one that’s too large will cool it too quickly, leading to wasted energy and money.
Routine inspections and maintenance
You can handle many daily air conditioner maintenance tasks independently, but routine inspections and maintenance take professional training. A professional will know how to identify potential problems with your system and correct them before they cause extensive damage or require a replacement.
Electrical issues
Air conditioners are complicated systems that include webs of wiring. Any wiring that becomes frayed or disconnected can cause several problems, including shorts that could lead to fires. These components can be dangerous if worked on by untrained persons. That’s why you should always rely on professional HVAC technicians to diagnose and repair electrical problems in your air conditioner.
Compressor short-cycling
The compressor is one of the most critical parts of your AC system, and it can be costly to replace. One problem that can lead to compressor failure is short-cycling. This problem occurs when the compressor turns on and off too frequently, usually because the air conditioner’s thermostat is set too low. Short-cycling puts a lot of stress on the compressor and can eventually cause it to fail.
If you notice that your AC is short-cycling, it’s essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Several different problems can cause short-cycling, and only a trained technician will be able to diagnose and fix the issue.
Get your air conditioner maintained with Expert Air
it’s more than just an AC maintenance checklist. We take pride in our work and our trained, certified technicians at Expert Air AC. We have the experience and the expertise to provide a quality experience to all our customers. With 24-hour on-call service, competitive pricing, and an offering of preventive maintenance programs, no one will take better care of you than Expert Air AC. Get your air conditioner maintained with Expert Air today!
