Keep Your Home AC Running Strong - An AC Maintenance Checklist
Since a new ac installation can cost you thousands of dollars (normally $2500.
00 to $3500.
00 for the unit alone) it's very important to take good care of your system so that it runs efficiently, has less need for repair and lasts longer.
First, it makes good sense to have your professional air conditioning maintenance performed by a professional HVAC contractor at least once a year and preferably in the spring before the temperatures spike.
A few things your HVAC contractor should do when performing maintenance are check and or replace filters, connect gauges and check operating pressures, record liquid line and suction line pressures, check all motor amperage draws, record temperature differential across evaporator coil, check evaporator suction line temperature, lubricate moving parts as applicable, check belts and adjust tension, check pressure cut-out settings, check start capacitors and potential relays, check compressor contactor, check all wiring and wiring connections, clean condenser coils and check condensate drain operation.
In addition to having your residential air conditioning maintained by a professional HVAC contractor, there are many things that you as a homeowner can do to help maintain your system.
For the outdoor unit: clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside the cabinet.
Check base pan for restricted drain openings and remove obstructions if there are any.
Check coil and cabinet and clean as needed.
Check fan motor and fan blades for wear or damage and on older models lubricate as needed.
Check control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections.
Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories.
All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.
If there appears to be wear or damage call your HVAC contractor.
Also check compressor and associated tubing for damage.
For you indoor unit, check and clean the blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor).
Check the combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary.
Check the evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines and clean as needed.
Check control box, associated controls, wiring and connections.
Clean or replace air filters.
Check conditioned airflow system (ductwork) and make sure there are no leaks.
Residential air conditioning maintenance is as important to the comfort and efficiency of your home as regular car maintenance is to your transportation needs.
By checking all the vital working parts of your system on a regular basis you will ensure that your system is operable, efficient and will keep your home cool for many summers to come.