Not confident in your HVAC maintenance skills? Turn to the experts at Topline Heating & Air by calling (717) 628-6825.
As the seasons change, so does your HVAC system. With continued use, debris collects in your HVAC system’s indoor and outdoor units. To prepare your air conditioning unit for the summer, you’ll need to follow a checklist of summer HVAC maintenance tips that ensures you meet all AC cleaning and upkeep requirements.
With so many components, knowing where to start with summer HVAC maintenance can be difficult. The HVAC technicians in Bethel from Topline Heating & Air provide the tips you need to maintain your air conditioner successfully.
1. Prioritize Safety
Don’t start working on your HVAC system without turning off the power. You risk getting a severe electric shock. If your air conditioning unit has a power switch, turn it off there, then go to your fuse box and turn off the main power.
You should also wear the proper safety gear as you could face exposure to dust, debris, pet hair and dander, corrosion, sludge, and leaking refrigerant. Consider masks, safety goggles, and gloves.
2. Inspect the Indoor and Outdoor Units
After your unit is off, you’ll need to inspect the indoor and outdoor units. Check for loose panels, interior parts, or electrical connections, and tighten or reattach them accordingly. Corroded contacts need a professional repair.
After you brush away debris and dust, lubricate any moving parts. Don’t forget to check the indoor unit for leaks. Leave refrigerant leaks up to the experts.
3. Check Air Ducts and Vents
Although air filters catch most airborne particulates before they enter your AC unit, your air ducts and vents still clog with dust and hair. This debris can cause health issues without normal upkeep. Other problems include dead insects, rodents, and their nests or droppings.
Check the ducts and wipe off air vents. If you notice significant dirt, debris, and other material in your ducts, contact your local HVAC professional for duct cleaning and further maintenance. Unless you have professional training, it’s difficult to safely remove this debris yourself.
4. Change Air Filters
An air filter is a barrier between your indoor environment and your air conditioner’s interior. Without it, your unit would break down much faster and spread contaminants throughout your home. Instead, it traps:
- Dander
- Dirt
- Dust
- Pet hair
- Other airborne contaminants
One of the simplest summer HVAC maintenance tips is to replace your HVAC system’s air filters to prevent restricted airflow. These filters clog with debris with time. With high temperatures comes more frequent air conditioner use, resulting in potential problems.
5. Clean All Interior and Exterior Coils
There are two types of coils you’ll need to inspect and clean. One is in the outdoor unit, while the other is in the indoor air handler.
- Evaporator coils: The coils in the indoor unit fill with refrigerant and cool the air as the heat creates moisture against them. This moisture can cause dust in the indoor unit to cling to the coils, reducing the unit’s effectiveness. Brush away this dust.
- Condenser coils: The outdoor unit’s coils release the heat from the air in your home into the outdoor environment. Natural debris becomes caught underneath the unit. You can spray it out with a hose or use a brush to remove it carefully.
6. Clean the Drain Pan and Line
The drain pan captures evaporating water, and the drain line carries it outside. As dust and debris sneak inside your unit, the evaporated water creates sludge in the drain pan and could potentially clog the beginning of the drain pipe. The pan requires regular cleaning to avoid clogs and leaks.
Outside, the drain line grows bacteria and algae from the draining water. To clean the pan and line, you can vacuum the debris and flush it with hot vinegar. Loosen any remaining debris with a long wire brush.
7. Keep Plants and Debris Away From Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit must receive proper airflow and be free of all debris. In addition to brushing or hosing off your unit to blast away this natural or manmade debris, you’ll need to ensure there’s ample space for the unit.
Large bushes and shrubs can shed leaves or flowers that get trapped in your outdoor unit. Give your HVAC system adequate space to receive enough fresh air without drawing in natural debris. Check that any bushes and hedges give your unit at least two feet of space.
8. Don’t Neglect the Thermostat
Whether you have a smart thermostat or a traditional option, your air conditioner won’t operate properly if the thermostat isn’t in good condition. Before powering your AC back on, you’ll need to check the thermostat for corroded electronics or replace the battery if necessary. If nothing is wrong, power the unit on and test it.
Programmable thermostats help you save more on energy and are highly accurate. To check thermostat accuracy, use a room thermometer to determine the temperature. An old, faulty thermostat that fails to cool your interior to the ideal temperature indicates you need repairs or a replacement.
Contact Topline Heating and Air for Expert Summer HVAC Maintenance
Topline Heating & Air’s HVAC technicians carefully inspect your unit, clean it, and make the necessary changes. We offer the most comprehensive summer maintenance checklist for air conditioners. When you work with us, you receive a streamlined plan for HVAC care.
Maintenance helps you save considerably on energy bills. Experience the benefits of a well-maintained HVAC system with help from our expert team. If we discover your unit needs additional repairs or a replacement, we’ll let you know and advise you of the most effective solution.
Learn more about our AC repair services available to residents of Honey Brook and Lancaster, PA. In addition to AC maintenance, we offer AC repairs and installations. Request summer HVAC maintenance tips from the Topline Heating & Air technicians at our Honey Brook, PA, office by calling (717) 628-6825 today