Seasonal AC Maintenance to Prepare For Spring And Summer

Importance of AC Maintenance

Your air conditioner is a major appliance in your home, whether you use it often or not. To maintain its value, AC maintenance is the key.

AC System Lifespan and Operating Efficiency

An air conditioner can last 20 years or more; maintenance can be the key to getting the best ROI. For most homeowners and their families, it’s the key to enjoying summer without worrying about high utility bills or appliance failure.

Spring Maintenance Tips

Here’s what to know as you prep your AC unit after the winter season.

Safe DIY Spring Maintenance

Testing your system after winter is the best way to avoid significant problems. Safe DIY spring maintenance will vary for every homeowner, depending on your skill level. Here are a few DIY tasks for indoor units that are relatively simple for most homeowners:

• Filters: Change the air filter! Simple and practical, this maintenance tip helps your AC run much more effectively. The good news is that the more you change out, the more checks you do, the more efficient your AC will run.[2]
• AC drain maintenance: Find the access point, usually in the attic, and then use equal parts water and bleach to clean out the debris from the drain lines.
• Evaporator and condenser coils: You can usually clean the coils with only soap, water, and a splash of vinegar. After the mixture has done its magic for about 10 minutes, you can use a hose to get the rest off.

Preparing Outdoor AC Unit For Spring

The exterior of your outdoor unit needs to be clear of debris. If the unit is covered in leaves or twigs, you’ll need to clear it away. Two feet of clearance should be on all sides.

Additional Home Maintenance to Benefit Your AC’s Function

In addition to standard seasonal AC maintenance, you can do several things around your home to improve your AC’s efficiency:

• Sealing entrances: Leaky windows and doors will make your AC work much harder to do the same job. If it’s been a while since you’ve tested your insulation or noticed a draft, you’ll want to take care of it during the spring. As we shift from season to season, this is a common problem for many property owners.
• Add some shade: Shade can do a remarkable job of keeping your home cool from season to season. Awnings, trees, and shrubs can go a long way toward bringing down your energy bills and giving your AC a break.[3] (Plus, you won’t have to worry as much if there’s a power failure on your block.)
• Ductwork inspection: Homeowners may be able to spot a sag in the crawlspace ductwork without special tools, but a whole-home inspection may need to be done by a professional.
• Cleaning: Cleaning your home goes a long way toward ridding the air of everything from dust to dander. Much like changing the filter, it’s a proactive way to help you avoid stressing the appliance.

Common Spring and Summer AC Issues & Troubleshooting

Preventative air conditioning maintenance can help you avoid many issues during spring and summer.

Common Spring AC Issues and Solutions

You might encounter the following AC problems during spring air conditioner maintenance:

• Dirty filters: Change or clean your filters at least once every three months.
• Malfunctioning thermostats: Start by resetting the device or changing the batteries. You may need a professional if the system is short-cycling.
• Leaks: Leaks are likely due to a drain or pipe problem, both of which will require a professional service.

Common Summer AC Issues and Solutions

Summer air conditioner maintenance may have to tackle the following:

• Power shortages: Tripped fuses or overloaded circuits are common over the summer. Resetting the fuses can be the answer, though you may have the wrong unit size if it’s constantly blowing the fuse.
• Clogged drain lines: Summer brings dust, so you may need to call the pros to clean your drains.
• Ice: If ice forms on the evaporator coil, adding more refrigerant may be the solution. However, it can also be a sign that your AC is breaking down, which would require a professional service.

Importance of Preseason System Testing

Preseason AC inspections and testing catch issues early on. If you’re not testing the system, you could recirculate dirty air on the property, leading to health risks.

Another major hazard, especially for older systems, is fire. Broken fans or malfunctioning pipes can cause heat to build up, triggering flames. Even if you have an outdoor unit, the damage to the property can be considerable. You also avoid unnecessary hassles when you test your system early and perform regular pre-season maintenance.

Pre-Schedule Regular AC Maintenance for Comfort and Convenience Every Season

If you’ve ever had to call a technician during the height of summer for AC repair, you likely already know the value of pre-scheduling regular AC maintenance. If you wait until there’s a problem with the AC, you’re at the mercy of the heat until help arrives.

A clean, well-functioning AC will carry you comfortably through the warm seasons.