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Top 10 Items to Include in Your AC Preventive Maintenance Checklist
According to USA Today, on of September 3, 2024, Phoenix hit 100 degrees for the 100th day in a row, which shows how relentless Mother Nature can be.
A working air conditioning system is a must when temperatures are this high, so you should do everything in your power to make this happen.
One way to extend the lifespan of your unit is to practice preventive maintenance.
By having HVAC experts do home air conditioning care, you can stay cool for years to come.
Here are 10 items that should be on your AC preventive maintenance checklist.
1. Inspect and Clean Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located outside and collect the heat from your home’s interior to release it to the outside air.
Dust and debris can accumulate on them though, and this can reduce the efficiency of the unit.
To prevent your AC unit from working harder (which can drive up energy consumption and reduce its lifespan), an HVAC technician will use specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove everything.
They’ll also check for any signs of corrosion or damage.
2. Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant levels must be at the right level for your AC to cool your home efficiently.
Otherwise, you’ll have higher energy bills and increased wear on the compressor, which can cause it to fail.
During maintenance, the HVAC tech will measure the levels using gauges, checking against the manufacturer’s specifications.
In addition, they can look for leaks and recharge the system.
3. Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
Your AC unit relies on a network of electrical connections for power, which makes the compressor, fan, and thermostat work.
Over time, loose or corroded connections can happen. These things can lead to:
- Electrical shorts
- System failures
- Fire hazards
A vital part of your HVAC upkeep checklist should be inspecting and tightening electrical connections.
HVAC experts will also replace any components that show wear or corrosion, in addition to checking for proper voltage and current flow.
4. Examine and Clean the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located indoors and also absorbs heat from the air.
Like the condenser coils, this component can become dirty or clogged, and this can reduce your AC’s efficiency, leading to poor cooling performance.
If you neglect it for long enough, the coil can even freeze, causing a complete system shutdown.
As part of any preventive maintenance guide, the HVAC technician will access and clean the evaporator coil with the appropriate tools and cleaners.
While they’re there, they’ll check for any signs of damage or corrosion too.
5. Check and Calibrate the Thermostat
As you may already know, the thermostat controls the temperature by controlling when the AC turns on and off.
Should it malfunction or become poorly calibrated, it can result in uneven cooling and higher energy usage.
In some cases, it can cause the system to short cycle, which can damage the components over time.
During routine maintenance, the tech will test the thermostat’s accuracy by comparing its readings with a calibrated thermometer.
If necessary, they’ll recalibrate or replace it, and then ensure it’s placed correctly for accurate temperature detection.
6. Inspect and Clear the Condensate Drain Line
When your AC unit pulls air during the cooling process, there’s moisture too.
The condensate drain line removes this moisture, but it can become clogged.
If this happens, the water can back up into the system, causing:
- Water damage
- Mold growth
- Increased humidity levels
For efficient AC operation, an HVAC pro will inspect the line for clogs and clear any blockages with specialized tools.
To prevent mold and algae growth, they may also treat it with a biocide.
7. Test and Inspect the Capacitors and Contactors
Capacitors store electrical energy and provide the necessary boost to start the compressor and fan motors.
The contactors control the flow of electricity, as they’re switches.
If either becomes faulty, the AC system can either operate intermittently or go through complete failure.
To make sure that these components are working, the tech will test the capacitors for their ability to hold and discharge electrical charge properly.
Plus, they’ll inspect the contactors for pitting, corrosion, or other damage.
As with the other parts on this list, they’ll replace any damaged or worn-out components if necessary.
8. Lubricate Moving Parts
People often forget that in order for their AC units to work, various moving parts need lubrication to function smoothly.
Without it, the parts can wear out faster, and they can suffer from increased friction and overheating as well.
Proper lubrication will reduce wear and extend the lifespan of these parts.
So in addition to inspecting them for signs of wear or damage, the tech will also apply the appropriate type and amount of lubricant to each moving part.
9. Check the Blower Motor and Belt
The blower motor drives the fan that circulates air through your home, and the belt connects the motor to the fan.
You’ll notice poor airflow if either malfunctions; you won’t have any airflow if the belt breaks.
Your HVAC expert will inspect the blower motor for any unusual noises or vibrations.
Plus, they’ll examine the belt for cracks or fraying, and replace it if necessary.
10. Perform a Comprehensive System Test
The technician will do a full system test that involves running the AC unit through all its functions to ensure it operates correctly and efficiently.
This is essential for verifying that everything they did was successful.
During this system test, the tech will:
- Listen for any unusual noises
- Check for proper startup and shutdown sequences
- Ensure that the system reaches the desired temperature
- Monitor the system’s pressure and airflow
AC Preventive Maintenance Checklist
An AC preventive maintenance checklist is an absolute must if you want to make sure your system can handle the hot Phoenix weather.
However, you shouldn’t attempt any tasks by yourself.
Instead, hire experienced HVAC professionals to do routine maintenance.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your AC unit is in top condition and that you’ll avoid costly repairs in the future.
If you’re ready to have your AC unit serviced, then make an appointment with Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating now.
We offer same-day HVAC repairs!
Looking for a Reliable HVAC Company in Apache Junction, Arizona?
Trust the expertise of Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for all your HVAC needs. Our team provides top-notch maintenance and insightful solutions across the East Valley.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!
