With the warmer months ahead, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an experienced one, getting an annual inspection and cleaning for your AC is essential for keeping its performance up.
Benefits of an Annual Inspection
Getting your air conditioner inspected annually can drastically improve its performance and efficiency. By having an experienced Spotless Clean Air technician inspect, clean, and adjust your AC system, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved energy efficiency and reduce monthly cooling costs
- Prolong the life of your system by avoiding costly and unexpected repairs
- Reliable air conditioning that always meets and exceeds expectations
- Avoid inconvenient breakdowns in the hot summer months
- Increase the comfort of your home with cleaner air and more efficient cooling
- Improved indoor air quality due to better filtration
- Peace of mind knowing your AC is running safely at all times
These are just some of the benefits that come with having an annual AC inspection. Scheduling regular preventive maintenance not only helps keep things running smoothly but also ensures you’re getting the most out of your cooling system.
DIY Cleaning Hacks
It’s important to get your air conditioning unit professionally inspected and maintained every year. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do some of the work yourself and save money. With these easy DIY AC cleaning hacks, you can keep your AC unit clean and running efficiently between regular inspections.
- Clean or replace the air filter(s). The air filter is a critical part of the cooling system (as well as the heating system) and should be checked frequently for dust and another debris buildup. A clogged filter will restrict airflow, reducing energy efficiency and potentially causing larger problems with your system like frozen coils or poor indoor air quality.
- Check and clear drain lines. Your unit pulls moisture from the air as it cools, this moisture is then funneled into a drain pipe or collection point where it can be recycled or released outdoors if connected to city sewer systems. It’s a good idea to check the line for any blockages regularly in order to ensure efficient drainage of moisture from your unit, preventing moldy smells or water damage in your home/business premises due to clogs in drainage pipes caused by dust mites etcetera.
- Dust off outdoor components regularly with a microfiber cloth; This includes outdoor units’ fins/condenser coils/ cranks, exhaust vents etc., as they all accumulate dirt over time which affects their performance significantly so wiping them off using a dry microfiber cloth often should keep them in tip-top shape! Ensure caution when handling condenser coils as they are very fragile so do not attempt any forceful brushing etcetera – just a quick dusty is all they need!
These simple cleaning hacks are sure to improve the performance of your AC unit while saving you money on costly repairs due to inefficiently maintained units!
Professional Cleaning Services
When it comes to keeping your air conditioning system functioning properly, having a professional inspect and clean your AC unit on an annual basis is essential for maintaining your system’s performance and integrity. Professional technicians will be able to identify potential issues with your unit and recommend any repairs that may be necessary. Moreover, regular AC cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of the unit and improve energy efficiency.
Professional services typically include checking the unit’s airflow, operating temperature control, blower speeds, temperature differential (the difference between supply air and return air), ductwork for any blockages or build-up of dust or debris, as well as cleaning condenser coils or evaporator coils. In addition to these services, they also check internal components such as fans, motors, belts, and connections.
Regular inspections should also include testing safety features such as pressure switches or fuses which might need to be replaced if they fail standard tests. This can greatly extend the life expectancy of your AC system as it can help prevent electrical surges from occurring when you turn on the unit after a long period of time.
How to Choose a Repair Company
When selecting an AC repair company, be sure to do your research. Look for a company that is licensed and insured, has a good reputation in the industry, and offers reliable services with fair prices. If possible, get recommendations from family and friends who have had similar experiences. You should also take the time to read online reviews of prospective companies to ensure they provide competent service as well as value for money.
Once you’ve identified several options, it’s important to ask questions before committing to any company. Find out
- how experienced the contractor is,
- what type of maintenance they recommend or employ (which could impact future repairs or timeline),
- what warranties they offer on their services and parts,
- and inquire about part replacements or upgrades you may need in order to ensure that everything works properly over time.
Finally, make sure the contractor can provide all necessary permits if required by local regulations.
Common Problems to Look Out For
Here are some of the most common problems that technicians should look out for during inspections:
- Clogged Air Filters: When a filter becomes clogged, airflow will be blocked, resulting in decreased efficiency levels or complete malfunctioning of the AC unit.
- Insufficient Refrigerant Levels: This can cause a range of different symptoms, including a weakened cooling effect, reduced airflow, or a buildup of water inside the system. Low refrigerant levels can also lead to compressor failure if unaddressed.
- Thermostat Malfunction: A malfunctioning thermostat in an HVAC system can cause irregular temperatures that require adjustment from time to time.
- Drain Problems: The HVAC system relies on working drains to regulate temperature changes within a structure. Faulty drains without adequate airflow can cause moisture accumulation which may lead to mold growth in enclosed spaces.
- Worn Electrical Components: An aged electrical component can cause insufficient airflow from blower fans, decrease unit performance and even spark fires if insulation becomes exposed by age or wear & tear damage over time.
Conclusion
With regular maintenance checks and quick do-it-yourself removal of dust buildup on areas like the blower or coils, you can easily protect your HVAC system from potentially costly repairs or emergency breakdowns. With the right attention for safety measures during DIY initiatives as well as prioritizations for annual professional AC inspections and cleanings, your outdoor split unit or window AC units will stay clean longer while providing cold consistent air year-round.
Kim Marks