Spring in Harrison is the best time to take care of air conditioning maintenance. Regular maintenance is key to getting the best performance and longest life out of your heating and cooling system. Preventative measures reduce the risk of expensive urgent repairs and inconvenient breakdowns. To keep your AC ready for spring and warmer weather, it is best to have a professional HVAC contractor inspect your air conditioning unit. However, if you need to turn on your AC before scheduling maintenance, here are some tips on how to get your AC ready for spring in Harrison OH.
Tips on Air Conditioner Maintenance
Air conditioner maintenance can often seem like a daunting task. Just thinking about what’s inside an air conditioning unit can leave you feeling like you’d rather be stuck on top of Mount Everest! But fret not, there are simple ways you can do some regular maintenance on your own and ensure that you get the maximum performance out of your system.
Note – It is important to always observe proper safety precautions. If you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of the actions below, or have concerns about damaging your air conditioner, please call a professional.
Remove the AC Cover (If You Have One)
Now that winter is over, it’s time to remove your unit’s cover and do a thorough inspection. Look closely at the major components and note anything that looks out of place, such as missing insulation. However, it is important to just visually inspect and don’t touch anything that seems out of place. If you do see obvious signs of damage, it is best to call a professional.
Change the Air Filter
Changing your heating and cooling system’s filters regularly is one of the most important steps you can take to keep a healthy home. Clogged or dirty filters prevent your HVAC system from working properly and lead to increased energy consumption. Changing filters doesn’t require any special knowledge; just remove and dispose of them when they look dirty. You can usually find replacement filters at hardware stores, department stores, or even supermarkets. Ignoring this simple preventive measure can result in serious damage down the road.
Clean it Thoroughly
Cleaning the outside AC unit removes any dirt or debris from your system and helps prevent blockages that could hamper airflow through the unit. While this is best done by a professional, lightly spraying the unit with a hose can remove some surface debris. It is important not to use anything that produces high pressure, such as a pressure washer, as this can bend the fins and damage your AC unit.
Inside, the drain line from an AC unit should be cleaned at least once a year. If it isn’t, particles of rust and mineral deposits will build up inside. This can clog or corrode your system, making it less efficient and shortening its lifespan. AC condensate drain maintenance is also important because if you don’t keep a clear line, excess water may leak out of your AC unit when it is not running. That could cause damage to flooring, walls, or furniture.
Test the Cooling Function
Before you take your system out of winter hibernation, it’s important to make sure that it’s in good working order. Set your thermostat to a few degrees lower than the current indoor temperature and make sure it comes on. Give it about 10 and check to make sure cool air is coming out of the vents and wait for your thermostat to show that the house is starting to cool.
Check for Blocked Ducts and Air Leaks
Clogged ducts can be a major source of reduced efficiency and higher utility bills. While they’re impossible to see without cutting into them, it’s easy enough to test them by turning on a fan—if it doesn’t blow as much as you think it should, you might have clogged ducts. Alternatively, there could be leaks allowing air to escape before reaching the vents. Any gaps in your system, whether from leaky ducts or doors that don’t seal tightly enough, can cost you. If your cooling system has to work harder and longer than it should, you could end up spending more on energy bills over time.
Consider Having a Smart Thermostat Installed
If you’re trying to reduce your energy bills, one of the best steps you can take is installing a programmable thermostat. These clever devices allow you to program your heating and cooling systems down (or up!) when you’re not home or while you sleep, which can dramatically reduce energy costs. If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade—a new unit is highly energy-efficient and will improve your comfort levels.
Schedule a Service Call
If you find any problems, it is important to call in a professional HVAC contractor. We have been serving the Harrison, OH and Ross, OH communities for more than 20 years. We will treat you and your home with respect and our NATE-certified technicians have the experience to handle all of your AC repair needs.
However, even if you don’t find any problems, now is a good time to have it serviced if it’s been more than a year since you last had your cooling system inspected. Putting off regular maintenance means you risk paying for urgent repair services, which are costly and inconvenient.
To keep things running smoothly all year long, call us today at (513) 378-3780. Investing in an AC tune-up can increase efficiency and cut energy costs. What’s more, it’s a great way to ensure that your system runs at peak performance all summer long—and helps prevent costly repair bills down the road.