Your centralized air conditioning system is a necessity for keeping you and your family comfortable and safe during the hot summer. However, to stay in good condition, it needs to be regularly maintained. It’s vital that you understand when you need to call in a professional and when you need to perform your own maintenance tasks on your home’s AC system.
Annual Professional Service
It’s highly recommended by the majority of HVAC professionals to have your air conditioning system serviced once a year. This should be done in the early spring months before you plan on using your air conditioning system on a daily basis.
It’s never a good idea to DIY your annual maintenance. In fact, most manufacturers require you to show proof that you had a professional service your equipment each year before they will replace parts under warranty. If you read your warranty agreement with your system’s manufacturer, you’ll likely find this requirement.
What Does Professional Service Include?
When a licensed HVAC professional comes to service your air conditioning system, there are a variety of tasks that they’ll complete. First, they will assess your thermostat. They will ensure that it’s calibrated correctly and positioned in an area that is free from heat-producing appliances and direct sunlight.
Next, they’ll check all of your AC system’s electrical connections. If they’re loose, they will tighten them. This part of the process helps to identify any wire corrosion or other issues that may cause a foreseeable problem in the near future. After your electrical system is checked over, the technician will lubricate all the moving parts of your system. This helps to reduce friction and extends the life of your air conditioning system’s internal components.
All of the coils and the drain system will be thoroughly cleaned. A technician will ensure that your condensate drain line is clear of any hard water scaling or debris that could lead to a future clog. As part of this process, they’ll work to remove any mold or mildew that has developed in or around the drain pan.
As part of your professional maintenance service, your system’s controls will be tested for all settings. This will ensure that your AC system is starting, shutting off, and operating properly. Additionally, your HVAC air filter will be replaced with a new one.
Maintenance Services Throughout the Summertime
After your technician leaves, that doesn’t mean that your air conditioner’s maintenance is handled for the year. Rather, there are some regular maintenance tasks that you’ll need to perform throughout the summer months to ensure that your air conditioner stays in tip-top shape.
First and foremost, you’ll need to regularly check your air conditioner’s filter and replace it when necessary. It’s recommended to check it at least once a month. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your AC system’s outside condenser unit is free from any debris. It’s best to keep a three-foot barrier of space around your entire unit. Trim back any tree limbs, shrubs, or other obstacles that may be encroaching on that space.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the supply and return vents for your ducting are adequately clean and clear of debris. This means getting out the vacuum and dust cloth to remove any excess debris that is laying on the grates of the vent. You’ll also want to make sure that there are no obstructions in front of any one of your vents, such as a piece of furniture or even a plant.
Benefits of Servicing Your AC System
While you now know how often your system needs to be serviced by both you and a professional, you may be wondering if it’s really necessary. Properly servicing your air conditioning system comes along with many great benefits, other than just keeping the warranty active.
It helps to ensure that your indoor air remains at a high-quality level so that your family can breathe easily. Regular service also helps to extend the overall lifespan of your air conditioning system so that you can be assured it will last at least as long as the manufacturer estimates. Additionally, regular maintenance helps to reduce your risk of an unexpected breakdown and alerts you to any foreseeable problems that need to be addressed in the near future.
Expert AC Service
Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning provides expert AC service for the whole Spokane, WA, area. Our knowledgeable technicians can also assist with all of your heating, sheet metal fabrication, commercial, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality needs. Call us today to set up your next service appointment.