As a Floridian, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable on sweltering days. However, ensuring your air conditioner is capable of maintaining your ideal level of comfort is crucial. Having an air conditioner tune-up at the right intervals can prevent major repair issues.
If you’re wondering whether you need an HVAC spring checkup, the answer is yes! Your heating and cooling system needs professional attention to make sure all the integral parts are in proper working order. Downtown Air and Heat is a reliable AC maintenance company serving Orlando and the surrounding areas. All of our technicians are North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified, meaning that you can count on us to keep your system running smoothly.
In this blog post, we explain the importance of spring maintenance for your air conditioner and provide tips that every homeowner can use to keep their AC system thriving.
Importance of AC Spring Maintenance
Your air conditioning system is responsible for many tasks in your home. It helps control indoor air quality and provides comfort even in the summer heat. Before your indoor comfort is compromised, it is best to schedule a tune-up that will help your AC’s performance as the weather gets hotter.
Spring is the best time to ensure it is functioning correctly, allowing you to stay ahead of system malfunctions and costly repairs. Schedule this annual tune-up today, and you can have greater peace of mind throughout the summer, along with greater energy efficiency that keeps you from the surprises of higher utility bills.
Key Maintenance Tasks for Your Air Conditioner
What does your air conditioner need in the spring to keep it humming along on those ultra-hot days? With HVAC maintenance, your AC system gets the care it needs through professionals who know how to care for this major appliance. Here is what your air conditioner needs in the spring:
Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters
Cleaning or changing air filters is something that you can do as a homeowner and should do at regular intervals. Air filters help promote better air quality in your home and ensure proper airflow. A dirty filter will restrict airflow, and continued poor airflow will cause your system to wear and tear. HVAC technicians will check your filters during regular maintenance and replace them during the service.
Inspecting and Cleaning Coils
The evaporator coil inside the air handler and the condenser coils in the outdoor unit need to be inspected and cleaned during professional AC tune-ups. Each of these parts are crucial, and having them taken care of will ensure you have a well-maintained AC system.
Checking Refrigerant Levels and Detecting Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can decrease your cooling efficiency and cause danger to your family. If you have an older HVAC system with dwindling refrigerant levels, regular AC maintenance may not be enough to get it back to peak performance. It may be time to look into replacing this system, particularly if you need frequent repairs.
Assessing the Thermostat for Optimal Efficiency
When technicians perform maintenance on your AC in spring, they will also check your thermostat settings. This allows them to see if it is running at optimal performance. For better control of your energy usage, you may want to consider upgrading to smart thermostats that can be programmed and controlled to adjust the temperature by room and occupancy.
Examining Electrical Connections and Components
Professional maintenance is required to check the electrical components of your HVAC. Poor electrical connections will lead to uneven cooling and unsafe operation of your system. Your technician will measure voltage and check these major components to make sure they’re in proper working order to prevent unexpected breakdowns that could ruin your summer days.
Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Service and Maintenance
From your indoor unit to your outdoor unit, you’ll want to keep your air conditioning in tip-top shape. Maintenance by professionals provides the following added benefits aside from being stuck without cool, refreshing indoor air on a hot Florida day:
Lower Energy Costs
You can get better control of your energy bills when you have your AC maintained. This maintenance keeps your system in proper working order. When your AC has efficiency problems, it causes the system to work harder to create the same output. Not only will maintenance improve efficiency, but it will also lower your energy bills.
Better Air Quality from Your AC System
Excessive dust buildup and other airborne particles, like pet dander or mold growth, can continue to circulate through your home. While you should do your part with filters and gently rinse reusable ones or replace disposables, it takes a professional to clean the working parts and blower components. Even in a clean home, they can accumulate dust and take on additional wear and tear.
Increased Longevity
Even the best air conditioners have a lifespan, though maintaining the system regularly will help it last. You’ll experience fewer breakdowns and have greater peace of mind with an HVAC that reliably serves your heating and cooling needs.
DIY AC Unit Tips for Homeowners
In the spring, you should make sure to call a professional for your AC maintenance. However, don’t ignore your system all year. There are certain AC maintenance tips every homeowner should follow to keep it in its best condition until their next scheduled service.
Homeowners should keep the condensate drain from clogging up by pouring a solution of vinegar and water down the condensate drain line at proper intervals. Additionally, making sure that filters are changed in accordance with your AC model is imperative to keep the air flowing properly and avoid overworking the system. You can check the owner’s manual to see what is recommended for filters or ask your technician how often you should perform this task.
Don’t forget about the outdoor unit either. You should make sure to keep the surrounding vegetation clear for at least two feet around its perimeter. When you mow your lawn, clear away grass clippings to keep them from blocking the airflow around the exterior unit.
The best way to maintain your AC is by staying ahead of issues and calling Downtown Air and Heat in the spring for peace of mind throughout the summer. We provide thorough and efficient HVAC maintenance, inspection, and repairs. We also offer AC replacement and installations, along with many other heating and cooling services. Contact us today to learn about special pricing on our services and schedule your maintenance!
