AC Maintenance to End the Summer Season

When temperatures drop, it’s significant to keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems up and running. Simply as you desire your air conditioning system to keep you cool in the summer, you require to make certain your system is prepared to warm your house in the winter as well.

While numerous homeowners adhere to a once-a-year service program, spring isn’t the best time for AC keeping. A pre-season inspection is a crucial aspect of the system’s health. This service can guarantee your machine is neat, efficient, and damage-free. In the rest of this article, we’ll discuss a combination of tasks you can do yourself and professional maintenance assignments to prepare your system for each season.

1. Remove undesirable moisture

Condensation can cause undesirable moisture in air conditioning ducts, coils, pans, and drain lines during the summer, particularly if you live in a moist zone. Moisture can lead to the expansion of mildew and decay without harming your home’s air conditioning unit. If not washed, it can even cause illness caused by airborne bacteria.

To solve these problems, perform the following tasks:

• Wash the pans and drain lines from your air conditioning unit. Water accumulates in these places and draws mold, mildew, insects, and beasts.
• Check ducts. If your ducts are not sufficiently protected, you may notice condensation build up beyond the ductwork in the summer when the humidity is increased, and the air conditioner is operating. Inadequate insulation not only raises utility bills but also creates extra wetness that can conduct mold growth. Insulating ducts is a bit more complicated, so you should undoubtedly employ an HVAC mechanic for this assignment.

2. Monitor Refrigerant Statuses

Your A/C unit has likely been operating over time in the summer, as a result, it can be low on refrigerant. This chemical turns from a liquid to a gas and then into a liquid inside your air conditioner to cool your house. If the refrigerant is low, your machine will just distribute warm air. A suitable amount of refrigerant keeps the air out of your vents cooler, lowers your energy costs, and makes your AC function satisfactorily. Call an air conditioning experience to inspect it at the end of the season, so you have peace of mind when next summer rolls around.

3. Change the air filter regularly

Your air conditioner’s air filter should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, so early fall is a good time to accomplish it.

Periodic replacement of the air filter is important for its longevity, but it also allows your system to run more efficiently. The goal of an air filter is to entrap allergens, dust, and undesirable particles and stop them from entering the air you breathe in your house, so when the filter is unclean, so is your air. Changing the air cleaner filter may also help save energy.

How to replace the filter is described below:

• Purchase a new filter. Inspect your owner’s manual before purchasing a filter – employing the proper filter is important. Otherwise, you risk possible harm to your system.
• Turn off the device. Before changing the filter, make sure that the device is totally turned off. If you’re not sure how to turn it off, turn off the breaker in the electrical breaker box.

• Remove the old filter. Many filters are found on the right side of the system and are easily pulled out. Yet, some filters may be found inside the vents in your house. If you think these internal vents may be present, contact an HVAC proficient as they will need to be substituted by a proficient.
• Inserting a new filter. After you have removed the old filter, simply insert the new filter. Utilize the arrows on the filter to reveal which side should be in or out.

4. Seal any leaks

As the summer heat fades, head into the attic and inspect your ductwork for leaks. Feel for air leaks along the ducts while your air conditioner is operating. Furthermore, examine for discolored insulation or rusted ducts, which could show a leak.

Pay special watch to pipe connections and where the pipes meet in case of a pipe break.

Fix any leaks using duct tape or metal tape instead of traditional cloth tape. You can also ask for an HVAC proficient to perform a pressure examination of the system to inspect for leaks.

5. Organize your HVAC unit for the cold season

Now that your air conditioning unit is prepared for next summer, take these actions to make certain you remain warm during the chillier months:

• Wash around your outdoor unit and put a vinyl cover over it.
• Conduct an audit and observable check. Turn on your furnace and system, and then scan for anything uncommon. This may contain sounds like squealing or tapping, as well as anything that seems inappropriate.
• Calibrate your thermostat. This will make your heating system work properly and accurately.
• Check your blower assembly. Fans and engines can explode after being left untouched or utilized for a while. You may have to wash these components or substitute them if required.
• Check the insulation. Insulation in the walls of the house or attic may need awareness to help maintain the house warm in the winter and decrease energy expenses. Furthermore, you may desire to inspect the duct insulation.
• Inspect your pilot light. It is the flame that burns constantly in gas-fired heating systems that are used as the ignition origin for heat. If your pilot light is off, your heating system is not operating appropriately.

It is essential to have a qualified professional inspect your home’s heating and cooling system at least once a year. HVAC mechanics have much more in-depth knowledge and experience of the inner workings of these systems than the average homeowner and can repair and inspect the system much better than homeowners.

Homeowners can perform minor air conditioning unit repairs, but only HVAC mechanics can perform tests and inspect for toxic gases inside the house.