AC maintenance may not be something you give a lot of thought to, but it’s very important to the comfort of your home. Experts recommend scheduling AC maintenance at least once a year. Homes that might require more AC maintenance include older homes and those located in hot, humid climates. During the maintenance process, the expert will complete a number of steps to ensure optimal cooling performance and prevent potential breakdowns.
Maintenance Is Important in Florida
Melbourne experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature during summer hovers around 90°F. However, the humidity can make it feel even hotter. This means your AC unit works hard for most of the year and needs regular maintenance.
With the demanding climate, it is recommended that you have your AC unit professionally serviced twice a year. You should complete it before the summer season begins and once after it ends. A bi-yearly maintenance schedule ensures that your system is prepared to handle the intense heat of the summer months and can recover from the heavy workload in those cooler ones.
Now that you know when to have the unit maintained, what should happen during these visits?
1. Inspect the Thermostat
One of the technician’s first tasks is to check the thermostat. Assessing the thermostat’s functionality is vital because it controls the temperature of your home. The expert will make sure it’s responsive to the settings and properly calibrated. They might also recommend a smart or programmable thermostat as a way to save money on energy bills by improving your home’s cooling efficiency.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
Filters that are dirty or clogged drastically decrease airflow, which in turn increases energy consumption and the risk of harm to your system. The HVAC professional will clean reusable filters or replace disposable ones to make sure the airflow is right and the air quality inside is better. In addition to this filter replacement, you must make sure you replace or clean it once every one to three months when using the AC. An even more stringent regimen of filter replacements may be necessary for those who suffer from allergies or who reside in households with pets.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels
It is the refrigerant’s job to draw heat from your house and release it outside. If the levels are too low, it can mean there’s a leak or the system isn’t cooling properly. Insufficient refrigerant levels can damage other parts of the air conditioner and increase energy consumption. The technician will check the refrigerant levels and either add more or find and fix any leaks.
4. Inspect and Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The technician will check the evaporator and condenser coils for any signs of dirt accumulation and clean them as needed during the maintenance process. This step is vital for successful cooling because it helps maintain optimal heat exchange. Keeping the coils clean also lessens strain on the system, which means your air conditioner will last longer.
5. Examine Electrical Components and Connections
The expert will check all of the electrical parts and their connections. This includes verifying the correct operation of the system’s electrical controls, checking for damaged or loose cables and inspecting capacitors. When electrical parts aren’t working properly, it can cause problems like system failure, safety risks and inefficiency.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts
There are a lot of moving parts in AC units, including belts, motors and fans. Wear and friction caused by these components can eventually cause mechanical problems. The HVAC specialist will lubricate the moving parts during maintenance to make sure everything runs smoothly. This results in less friction, quieter moving parts and fewer breakdowns.
7. Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Air conditioners rely on the condensate drain pipe to remove any surplus moisture. Problems with water damage, system shutdowns and elevated humidity levels might occur if debris, mildew or algae clogs the drain line. As part of routine maintenance, the technician will unclog the condensate drain pipe to make sure water can flow freely.
8. Measure Airflow and Ductwork Condition
A technician will check the airflow to ensure it meets what the manufacturer recommends. The expert may also look for damage, leaks or obstructions in the ductwork that might be limiting airflow. Uneven cooling, higher energy costs and system strain can all result from poor airflow. By fixing problems with airflow, the expert makes sure your system can evenly chill your house.
9. Inspect the Blower Motor and Fan
The next step is to make sure the fan and blower motor operate as they should. Both of these parts need to be in top shape since they distribute cooled air throughout your house. The technician will balance the system, look for damage to the fan blades and test the motor’s performance. When the blower motor or fan isn’t working properly, it affects both the effectiveness of the system and your ability to maintain a reasonable temperature in your home.
10. Check System Controls and Startup Cycle
Checking all of the system controls is the final step in the maintenance process. If the unit isn’t functioning properly, problems with the controls could compromise performance and even pose safety risks. For example, if the thermostat control isn’t working right, there might be something wrong with the temperature regulation. If the blower motor is making a strange noise, it could indicate wear and tear or a need for more lubrication. An expert can make all types of adjustments and fine-tune the AC to your home’s unique requirements to ensure optimal efficiency and safety.
To schedule AC maintenance in Melbourne, FL, for your home, contact One Hour now.