Whether it’s warm or chilly after Labor Day, it’s the perfect time to clean and service your AC for the fall. Your air conditioning system has been working hard for months keeping you comfortable during spring & summer. Not only will fall cleaning and service keep it running well, but it will also prep it for next spring.

What Happens During AC System Maintenance?

• Change the air filter
• Electric terminals are inspected, cleaned, and tightened
• Belts are checked for wear and tightness
• Evaporator coil airflow is checked
• Check the amount of refrigerant
• Clear the condensate drain
• In central air systems, check for duct leakage and seal it

In addition to the maintenance done by your service technician, you want to remove debris that has collected around the condenser unit outside. During the summer, grass clippings, weeds, dirt, leaves, twigs, etc. can build up around the unit and interfere with airflow and efficiency. At the same time, make sure to clean the unit’s coils. If your exterior unit is only for air conditioning instead of an HVAC system or heat pump that handles both hot and cold weather, get a cover for it to protect it from harsh winter weather.

Is AC Maintenance Necessary?

If you want a well-running system, regular maintenance is essential. If you need convincing, let’s dive deeper into those air conditioner maintenance steps.

Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Whether you have central air or window units, the air filter catches dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your cooling system. It also keeps that same dust and debris from entering your living space, improving air quality. It’s actually good to clean or replace air filters more frequently during their usage season but this should be done at least once or twice a year, minimum.

Checking Your Thermostat

Does it go on at the right temperature? Or the right time if it’s programmable? If you still have an older thermostat, an upgrade to a programmable smart thermostat could save you money by being more efficient and enabling you to set it so the temperature is different when you’re at work or sleeping than when you’re active. A smart thermostat that learns your habits is also an excellent option.

Check Your Vents, Grills, Fins, etc.

Blocked or bent vents, fins, grills, etc. can block airflow, making your system run less efficiently. Keeping them clean also improves your indoor air quality. Do not use a power washer because it can damage the fins, which are the strips of metal lined up on the outside of an air conditioner or condenser.

Clearing the Condensate Drain

Air conditioners, whether window units, ductless AC systems or central air, not only cool the air but remove humidity from it. Humidity makes the air feel warmer. As an AC unit cools the air, the humidity condenses into water that drains out of the unit. Keeping that drain clear is important or else water could back up into your home or another area that would cause a problem. Checking the drain for blocks and running a bristled pipe or bottle brush through it to remove debris, lime and mineral buildup, etc. is essential.
A little regular maintenance will keep your cooling system running longer and more efficiently, saving you money. It also improves air quality, which is good for your health. For professional maintenance, call the experts at Tragar.

Tragar Keeps You Cool

Let Tragar help you stay cool during warm fall days and be ready for next season by keeping your cooling system well maintained. An ounce of prevention saves headaches and higher repair costs later. Tragar and our HVAC experts will take care of it. Contact us today.