As with any essential appliance, vehicle, or other important items in your life, maintenance is the key to the life and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and thorough repairs when they are needed can help your air conditioning system work to its maximum efficiency and purpose.
Many maintenance and repair jobs can be done yourself, with the help of some thorough instructions and a few tools. Other jobs should be left to a professional. But how do you know when to call someone and when to do it yourself?
Routine and thorough inspections are some of the most valuable parts of maintaining your air conditioning system. Inspections should be performed twice a year. The changing of the seasons is usually the best reminder to inspect and service your air conditioning system.
Specific areas to inspect and what requires a call to a professional are:
Filters
Most everyone knows that you should change your filters every month or so, depending on the type of filters you use and your preferences. About twice yearly or more often, depending on whether they become visibly dirty or compacted, the ducts and vents need to be vacuumed and cleaned out. You can use household cleaning products, or a mix of vinegar and water does the trick perfectly. Make sure that all of the components are thoroughly dried before replacing the filters and vent doors.
Vents
Check all air vents around the house for signs of damage, and clean these as well.
Ducts
Your air conditioning system has a lot of exposed ductwork. All of the ductwork should be inspected for signs of wear and tear, dents, and loose fittings. Keep a lookout also for signs that air is escaping the ducts, such as dirt streaks. If you notice a lot of problems in the ductwork, it is a good idea to call a professional to help identify and repair all of the issues.
Furnace
Carefully turn on the furnace and look at the flame. It should burn blue and steady. If the flame is flickering and is red or orange, this could mean it is not working properly. If this occurs, call a professional to help you fix the furnace.
Thermostat
Open the thermostat and check for dust. Dust can cause it to lose function over time. Clean out any dust, hair, or other particles with a cotton swab.
Compressors
While you should always keep an eye on your outdoor air compressor to keep it free from falling leaves, branches, sticks, and other debris, you should closely inspect it at least twice a year. Look for dents and take the cover off to check the blades for damage. If the blades are damaged, absolutely call a professional. It is not safe to replace the blades yourself.
Generally, these inspections can be made yourself, but the expertise of the professional can ensure the safety and wellbeing of your unit and your family. If you have any doubts or notice any of the specified issues mentioned, call a professional to assist you.
Ensure your HVAC system is operating at peak performance, efficiency, and reliability with a comprehensive maintenance checkup from one of Clarksville Heating & Air’s highly trained technicians. Regular, routine maintenance will lower the risk of an untimely failure. Proper care of your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump is proven to increase equipment lifespan and improve system efficiency up to 30 percent.
Approximately 70% of all service calls can be prevented with regular maintenance! CHA’s Preferred Service Agreements are a cost-effective way to maintain your unit year-round.
