May 18, 2017

Is your air conditioner is ready for the hot summer months ahead?

The summer heat has already begun and most St. Louis homeowners are thankful their air conditioning system is helping them beat the heat! That is until something goes wrong and they are left sweating in the sweltering summers.

If this happens to you, getting your system repaired is the obvious answer. However, many homeowners fail to consider that a repair call can be easily be avoided with regular maintenance checks.

In fact, spring is the ideal time for scheduled maintenance for your air conditioning system. Here is a quick run-down on a few things HVAC technicians do when they perform maintenance:

Conduct a test run – It is important to conduct a test run to check if your air conditioner is in working condition, or if it needs repairs. Your system will be checked for effective and uniform cooling. A test will help in checking for pain points and often saving one from the trouble of spending too much time without a cooling system.

Check the filters – If the test run shows the need for a maintenance check, the first point of troubleshooting is often the filters. Dirty and outdated filters can make an HVAC system work too hard, or even freeze up and breakdown. Additionally, homeowners should continue to check and change their filters regularly.

Ductwork – The ductwork that transfers the conditioned air from your air conditioner to the house should be thoroughly checked for any worn out areas, loose insulation, moldy areas, odors or damaged insulation. If left unchecked, it can lead to uneven cooling and increased inefficiency.

Vents – The vents that blow conditioned air into the house should be free from dirt and dust, and any blocking furniture.

Thermostats – Thermostats, especially the latest models that are remotely programmable can help to save on energy costs as well as maximize energy and functional efficiency of your system. According to the US Department of Energy, maintaining warmer temperatures while away and cooler temperatures while at home can help save about 10% on energy bills.

Drain lines – The drain line near the cooling coil drains away excess water from the unit. This drain line should be free of blockages.

Check the outdoor equipment – The outdoor unit of the HVAC is as important as the indoor unit. Homeowners should check if the outside condenser unit is clean and free from any blockages. The refrigerant lines should be checked as well. Moreover, it is essential to make sure that the electrical wiring is in good condition to avoid breakdowns, electrical shortages, and further damage.