Servicing Air Conditioner Before Summer
Servicing your air conditioning (AC) system before summer can help ensure it runs efficiently and prevents costly breakdowns during peak heat. Here’s a step-by-step guide a homeowner can follow for basic AC maintenance:
1. Turn Off the Power
Why: Safety first—working near electrical components can be dangerous.
How: Turn off the power at the breaker box and the disconnect near the outdoor unit.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Frequency: Every 1–3 months.
How: Locate the filter (typically behind a return air grille or inside the air handler), remove it, and either clean or replace it with a new one (check size and type).
3. Clean the Condenser Coils (Outdoor Unit)
Tools: Garden hose, soft brush.
How:
Remove debris like leaves and grass around the unit.
Remove the top cover if needed.
Spray the coils gently with water from the inside out (never use high pressure).
Use a coil cleaner if the coils are heavily soiled.
4. Check the Refrigerant Line Insulation
What to look for: Cracked, missing, or deteriorated insulation.
Fix: Replace with new insulation sleeves or tape, available at most hardware stores.
5. Inspect the Thermostat
Steps:
Set it to cooling mode and check if the AC starts and blows cold air.
If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart model for energy savings.
6. Clean the Evaporator Coil (Indoor Unit)
Tools: Soft brush, coil cleaner spray.
How: Carefully access the coil (usually inside the air handler or furnace), and gently brush off dust. Use a no-rinse coil cleaner spray if needed.
7. Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Why: A clogged drain can cause water damage or system shutdown.
How:
Find the drain pipe (usually a PVC pipe near the indoor unit).
Use a wet/dry vacuum on the outside drain line or pour a cup of vinegar or bleach down the pipe to clear algae and mold.
8. Check and Clean Air Vents
Steps:
Make sure supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
Wipe vents down with a damp cloth to remove dust.
9. Test the System
After reassembling everything and restoring power, run the system for 15–20 minutes to ensure it's cooling properly and there are no strange noises or leaks.
10. Schedule Professional Maintenance (Optional but Recommended)
Even with good DIY care, it’s wise to have a licensed HVAC technician inspect the system annually for refrigerant levels, electrical components, and overall performance.
