Preventative maintenance is critical if you want your AC system to run well. The heaviest use will be when it is warm in the summer, so personal attention is important throughout, and professional maintenance is recommended prior to this time.
Being familiar with your AC system’s basic operations makes it easier to spot problems. The last thing you want is for the AC to fail during peak usage.
Maintaining Your Air Filters
Maintaining air filters is an important task that homeowners can complete on their own. Because air filters are disposable, you only need to replace the old filter with a new one.
Air filters should be replaced every three months. However, non-pleated filters require monthly replacement. Pet owners or people with allergies might have to change their filters more often.
Maintaining Your Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Check these coils for any signs of damage that could interfere with their operation. Cracks or holes could leak refrigerant, interfering with your AC system.
If you change your filters regularly, an evaporator coil shouldn’t require cleaning. However, cleaning this coil requires caution because you don’t want other areas wet.
A condenser coil on an outdoor unit can easily be sprayed with a hose. It is a good idea to check the fins on both coils to ensure they are not bent.
Maintaining Your Drain Line and Pan
Dirty drain lines and pans can make things messy around your AC area, even though they don’t directly affect performance. One of the most important things to look for is slimy organic material, often in drain lines. This slime can block your drain lines, making the pan overflow.
A rag can easily remove debris from the drain pan. If standing water is present, a wet/dry vacuum is safe. However, large amounts of water in the pan likely indicate a blocked drain line requiring cleaning.
Maintaining Your Blower & Fan
A blower is a fan capable of pushing large amounts of air through your home. Keeping the blower maintained ensures that your AC system works as expected.
Your blower and fan should be dust- and debris-free and capable of rotating. It is time for a service call if these components don’t move easily or the fan belt seems worn.
Although a technician should do AC equipment repairs, the maintenance that homeowners can do may prevent problems. Changing filters and keeping everything clean between service calls may affect how much you spend in the long term. Of course, more extensive cleaning and any mechanical maintenance should be done by a professional. Whenever you find you do need AC repair, maintenance, or other services, just call and speak with our experts at Hughes HVAC in Bensalem, PA.
