Preventative Maintenance Steps That Get Your AC Ready For Summer

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How to Keep Your Cool When the Mercury is Rising

When the heat is rising to record-breaking levels, it can be really tough to stay cool. This summer, I found that my air conditioner had trouble keeping up with the temperatures. It wasn't that the AC wasn't working, it was just that I couldn't seem to get my house cooled down as much as I wanted. I worried that I would have to replace the whole AC system. Luckily, I have a good friend who works as an HVAC contractor. He took a look at my system and gave good news -- it didn't need to be replaced. Instead, he shared a lot of tips for helping my air conditioner work more efficiently, as well as some ideas to help supplement the AC and keep the house cooler. I'm using those tips to create this blog to share ways for all of us to keep cool on the hottest days.

Preventative Maintenance Steps That Get Your AC Ready For Summer

10 June 2017
 Categories: , Blog


If you want to spare yourself the misery of sweltering on a hot summer day due to an air conditioner malfunction, you should have your HVAC inspected and serviced regularly. An AC tune-up is more affordable than costly repairs, especially if you have to make a call for emergency service. The ideal time to call an HVAC contractor is in the spring before the summer cooling season begins. These are some things that might be done to ensure your AC is ready for a season of steady work.

Clean The Condenser

Since the condenser sits outside, it is subject to a lot of abuse, especially since it isn't used during the long winter months. Leaves and other small debris work their way inside the cage and pile up. You could even have insects or small mice living inside. All this has to be cleaned out so there is nothing to obstruct air intake around the unit. In addition, the coils in the condenser are cleaned so the air conditioner works more efficiently and you don't waste money on your power bill.

Check The Refrigerant Level

Your air conditioner won't chill the air that passes through it if there is no refrigerant. The level is checked to ensure there are no leaks. If the level is low or if the refrigerant has leaked out, the cause is determined and repairs are made. Once the leak is fixed, new refrigerant is added.

Look For Worn Parts

The contractor checks for worn parts in the condenser and air handler. If it looks like something might fail in the coming months, it's a good idea to replace it before turning on the AC so you can avoid problems. Lubrication is added to moving parts that need it. The blower is checked for power and airflow to make sure the output is as expected. The electrical system is also tested to ensure there isn't a wiring problem or failing components.

Inspect Ducts And Thermostat

In addition, your contractor will check the thermostat to make sure it triggers the AC when you're ready to use it. The ducts may also be inspected to make sure there are no leaks that allow cool air to escape in the attic. When the contractor has completed the tune-up, all functions of the HVAC should be inspected, tested, serviced, and ready for another season of keeping you cool.

Servicing your air conditioner is a quick process that is worth the expense. Preventative maintenance usually always pays off in reduced need for repairs and headaches. You can have your AC serviced any time of year, but spring is a popular time. For that reason, you may want to book your service call well before the temperatures rise since spring is a busy time for HVAC contractors.

Talk with a company like Poynter Sheet Metal for more help.