Annual AC Maintenance Checklist: What Your Technician Should Inspect
With spring around the corner, many homeowners are getting a vague feeling of discomfort. There’s something they should do around this time, but what?
No, the answer isn’t to stock up on allergy medicine — although that’s good advice, too! We’re talking about annual AC maintenance. Doing this now ensures your unit will run optimally throughout the warmer months.
Not sure what a spring HVAC inspection checklist should include? Here’s what it takes to get an AC unit ready and why you should leave this task to the pros!
Determine the Unit’s Condition
Before turning the AC unit on, there are a few things your technician will need to check. They’ll start by making sure the unit is flat to the ground.
Why is this necessary? Simple: if the ground beneath the outdoor unit (or the condenser) shifts, the unit may disconnect from your house. It may also break, particularly some of the more vulnerable parts such as the fins.
The best way to keep the AC unit level is to put it on pads. Using concrete or rocks will ensure the pads stay in place. If the unit still tilts, your technician will know what to do to keep it stable.
If you’ve covered your unit during winter, don’t turn it on before removing the covers. This seems like an obvious thing to do, but many homeowners forget about it and cause their units to overheat!
Clean the Condenser
If your condenser was uncovered, it might be dirty after a long winter. Depending on where it is, it may also not have enough room to breathe.
To ensure everything is in order, have your technician inspect the unit. If they see any leaves or dirt in the grates, they’ll use a brush to clear them away. They’ll also check the unit’s base for debris (or bird’s nests!).
Keep in mind that every AC unit needs two feet of space to function properly. If you notice brushes or shrubs entering this space, trim them away. Some tools you can use to deal with encroaching vegetation include:
- Garden loppers
- Hedge trimmers
- Pruning shears
Test the Thermostat
A thermostat is essential for ensuring the perfect home temperature. Your technician will help you test and calibrate it as needed.
First, the technician will remove the cover of the device and check for loose connections. If they find any, they’ll tighten them with a screwdriver. They’ll also adjust the mounting bracket to ensure the thermostat is level.
Next, they’ll test the temperature sensor. In most cases, this is done by using a thermometer to check the temperature reading on the thermostat. If the reading is off, even by a few degrees, they’ll recalibrate the device.
Calibrating the thermostat depends on its type. With most devices, your technician will simply use a small screwdriver to adjust the temperature. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if there are any extra steps.
Replace Air Filters
You should change air filters every 30-90 days. Doing so lowers your unit’s energy consumption, potentially saving you a lot of money on utility bills.
This is also why replacing air filters should be one of the first things on your maintenance checklist. Beyond wasting energy, neglecting this step can lead to:
- Mold growth
- Restricted airflow
- Damage to the unit
If you’re not sure if a filter is dirty, remove it from the system and hold it up to a light. If you can’t see the light pass through, it’s time to replace the filter. The replacement should be an exact copy of the old filter.
Depending on the type of your unit, some air filters can be a bit trickier to replace. If you’re having trouble installing them, your HVAC technician will be happy to do it for you.
Clear the Condensate Drain
Your condensate drain (or drainage hole) is a big part of your cooling system care. Your system uses it to get rid of excess moisture.
If the drain gets clogged, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter leaks or other types of water damage. Your technician will prevent this by using a small brush or pipe cleaner to gently remove any buildup.
They’ll also take a closer look at the condensate drain pan. If it’s dirty, they’ll clean it with a damp cloth. If the pan is cracked, they’ll either try to repair it or replace it with a new one.
While checking the drain, your technician will also take a look at the drain line. If they notice any clogs or debris, they’ll likely flush them out with a vinegar or bleach-based solution.
Check the Refrigerant Lines
You’ll find an AC unit’s refrigerant lines in the condenser. If there are any cracks or leaks in them, the system’s cooling efficiency may drop a lot.
You can inspect the refrigerant lines for leaks yourself. Look for any signs of damage or oil residue. Beyond the pipes themselves, pay attention to the other parts of the system, including:
- Valves
- Fittings
- Connections
Another way to do this is to use an electronic leak detector. This specialized tool will alert you of any leaks in the lines and help you find them more easily. That said, leak detectors can be a little pricey.
What you should never do is touch the refrigerant lines. If you notice an issue with them, have a technician fix them. They’ll also adjust the refrigerant levels to fit your system, increasing its efficiency.
Inspect the Evaporator Coil
Cleaning evaporator coils is another key part of summer AC preparation. Coincidentally, it’s another step on this checklist best left to the experts.
The evaporator coil is important because it absorbs the heat inside your home. Locating it can be tricky, as most coils stay hidden inside indoor units. You can recognize it by a mesh of thin fins and a scaffolding of metal pipes.
Coil maintenance is relatively simple, but it’s still best to let the experts deal with it. Even if you turn the system off, it may still hold dangerous electrical charges that won’t dissipate for a while.
Your technician will likely use a small vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the coil. If the coil is particularly dirty, they’ll clean it with a mixture of water and a mild detergent. This can be essential for removing mold and mildew.
Check Ductwork for Leaks
One of the best ways to extend AC lifespan is to keep your ductwork clean. Over time, ducts can accumulate a variety of contaminants, such as:
- Dust, dirt, and debris
- Mold and mildew
- Bird and insect nests
If you don’t get enough cool air in the summer, your ductwork should be the primary suspect. Check your ducts for leaks or signs of mold, such as musty odors. Pay attention to the sections that seem disconnected.
Keep in mind that there’s a limit to what a DIY inspection can uncover. Most homeowners are best off calling in the pros to take a closer look at the duct connections, the insulation around the ductwork, and so on.
Consider Smart Devices
Technically, this isn’t a maintenance step. However, it deserves a place on this list because it can make your future maintenance efforts much easier!
For starters, did you know that the average cooling costs were $719 last year? If you want to be more efficient with your energy usage, you’ll have to take a proactive approach. This is where smart devices come in.
One great example of a useful smart device is a smart AC controller. It allows you to control your unit from anywhere and ensure it only runs when it needs to. These devices also include next-gen features such as:
- Geofencing
- Smart scheduling
- Energy monitoring
- Smart humidity triggers
Call in the Pros
If you go over this checklist, you may believe you can do it all yourself. Unless you’re a retired HVAC technician, this is likely a bad idea.
See, AC units can malfunction in a variety of ways. If something goes wrong, misdiagnosing the issue can lead to costlier repairs. And even if the unit seems to work well, only an expert will know what’s going on under the surface.
Don’t forget that HVAC units work their hardest during the summer. By scheduling a spring maintenance appointment, you can address potential issues on time. Reputable contractors like Southern Air will meet your needs promptly.
Ideally, you should have a technician inspect your AC unit bi-annually: once in the spring and once in the fall. That said, if you only have the budget for one appointment, spring is the right time to schedule it!
Annual AC Maintenance Made Easy
At Southern Air, we take annual AC maintenance seriously. When you schedule a maintenance appointment with us, you can expect 5-star customer service, special promotions, and flexible financing options.
We’re particularly proud of our membership service called the Comfort Club. By signing up, you’ll enjoy semi-annual tune-ups, priority service, and a 15% repair discount! The Comfort Club includes four distinct membership plans.
Southern Air has proudly served Palatka, Florida since 1980! Schedule a maintenance appointment to see why we’re still the best in the business!
