The Essential AC Maintenance Schedule

Air conditioning is essential in keeping our homes comfortable and cool during the hot summer months. However, like all appliances, it requires maintenance to work efficiently and last longer. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, reduced cooling capacity, and costly repairs. In this article, we will provide you with an essential AC maintenance schedule to keep your AC unit in tip-top shape.

The air filter is an essential component of your AC unit, as it ensures that clean air flows through the system. However, over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, reducing airflow and causing your AC unit to work harder than necessary. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean or replace your AC air filters monthly.

To clean or replace the air filter, locate the filter in the unit. The filter is typically located in the return air duct or near the blower unit. Check the filter for dirt and debris buildup. If it is dirty, remove the filter and either replace it with a new filter or clean it.

To clean the filter, use a soft brush or cloth to remove the dirt and debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt, but be gentle to avoid damaging the filter. If the filter is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear, it is recommended to replace it with a new filter.

When selecting a new filter, consider the MERV rating, which indicates the filter's ability to capture airborne particles. A higher MERV rating means that the filter can capture smaller particles, but it can also reduce airflow, so it is essential to select a filter with the appropriate MERV rating for your AC unit.

The condenser coils and evaporator coils are essential components of your AC unit, as they transfer heat and ensure optimal cooling performance. However, over time, they can collect dust, debris, and other contaminants, which can reduce their efficiency and cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary. To prevent this, it is recommended to check and clean your AC coils annually.

Before cleaning the coils, ensure that the power to the unit is turned off. You can do this by switching off the power at the breaker or disconnecting the box. Once the power is off, remove the access panels to the unit and locate the coils. The condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit, while the evaporator coils are found in the indoor unit.

Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any visible debris from the coils. Be gentle to avoid bending or damaging the delicate fins. You can also use a commercial coil cleaner that is specifically designed for your type of coils. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using coil cleaner, and rinse the coils thoroughly with water after cleaning.

If the coils are severely dirty, it may be best to hire a professional technician to clean them. A professional has the necessary tools and expertise to clean the coils thoroughly without causing damage to the unit.

Regular cleaning of your AC coils can help improve the efficiency of your unit, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your AC. Therefore, it is essential to include this task in your annual AC maintenance schedule.

The outdoor unit of your AC system is exposed to the elements and can collect debris such as leaves, dirt, and grass clippings over time. This debris can reduce the airflow and cooling capacity of the unit, forcing it to work harder and consume more energy. To prevent this, it is recommended to clear the debris around the outdoor unit quarterly.

Start by turning off the power to the unit at the breaker or disconnect box. Once the power is off, remove any debris that is surrounding the unit, including leaves, twigs, and grass clippings. You can use a broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris.

Next, remove any debris that is on the unit itself, including the fan blades, fins, and grilles. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the fan blades and grilles, and be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate fins. If the fins are bent, use a fin comb to straighten them out.

After cleaning the unit, turn the power back on and check the unit's performance. If the unit is not functioning correctly, it may be due to a more significant issue, and it is recommended to contact a professional technician for assistance.

The thermostat is the control center of your AC unit, as it determines when the unit turns on and off and at what temperature. It is essential to check the thermostat settings every month to ensure that they are accurate and set to the desired temperature.

Start by checking the current temperature of the room and comparing it to the temperature setting on the thermostat. If there is a significant difference, it may be due to a problem with the thermostat or the AC unit itself. Consider hiring a professional technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Next, check the mode of the thermostat, which can be either "cool" or "auto." The "cool" mode means that the AC unit will run continuously until the temperature reaches the set point. The "auto" mode means that the AC unit will turn on and off automatically to maintain the desired temperature. Select the appropriate mode based on your preferences and the temperature of the room.

Finally, check the fan settings on the thermostat. The fan can be set to "auto," which means that it will turn on and off automatically with the AC unit, or "on," which means that it will run continuously. The "on" mode can help improve air circulation, but it can also increase energy consumption. Select the appropriate fan setting based on your preferences and the temperature of the room.

The moving parts of your AC unit, such as the fan motor and blower motor, require lubrication to function correctly. Over time, the lubrication can wear off, causing the parts to work harder and wear out faster. To prevent this, it is recommended to lubricate these parts annually.

Before lubricating, the moving parts, ensure that the power to the unit is turned off. You can do this by switching off the power at the breaker or disconnecting the box. Once the power is off, remove the access panels to the unit and locate the fan motor and blower motor.

Check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the appropriate type of lubricant for your AC unit. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the lubrication ports of the fan motor and blower motor. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as an excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris and cause damage to the unit.

After lubricating the moving parts, turn the power back on and check the unit's performance. If the unit is not functioning correctly, it may be due to a more significant issue, and it is recommended to contact a professional technician for assistance.

The condensate drain is an essential component of your AC unit, as it removes moisture and water that is generated during the cooling process. Over time, the drain can become clogged with dirt, algae, and other debris, causing the water to back up and potentially damage your unit or your home. To prevent this, it is recommended to inspect and clean the condensate drain quarterly.

Start by locating the condensate drain line, which is typically located near the outdoor unit of your AC system. Check the drain pan and the drain line for any visible signs of dirt, algae, or debris buildup. If there is any visible buildup, it may be a sign that the drain is clogged.

To clean the drain, first, turn off the power to the unit at the breaker or disconnect the box. Once the power is off, remove the access panel to the unit and locate the condensate drain line. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a small brush to remove any debris or dirt buildup from the drain line. Be careful not to damage the drain line or the surrounding components.

After cleaning the drain line, pour a mixture of water and bleach into the drain to help prevent the growth of algae and other contaminants. A mixture of one-part bleach to ten parts water is typically sufficient for this task.

While some maintenance tasks can be performed by the homeowner, it is essential to schedule professional maintenance annually. A professional technician can inspect the entire system, identify any potential issues, and perform necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your AC unit.

In conclusion, regular AC maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance, reduce energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your AC unit. It is recommended to follow this essential AC maintenance schedule, which includes cleaning or replacing air filters monthly, checking and cleaning the coils annually, clearing debris around the outdoor unit quarterly, checking the thermostat settings monthly, lubricating moving parts annually, inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain quarterly, and scheduling professional maintenance annually. By following this schedule, you can ensure that your AC unit operates efficiently and effectively, keeping your home comfortable and cool during the hot summer months. Contact GO Heating, Air & Plumbing Plano TX for a free estimate.