Is Your HVAC System Ready for AC Season?

Get your AC summer-ready! Spot common AC problems early and use our simple tips to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly all season long.

Ensure Year-Round Comfort: Schedule Your Spring HVAC Checkup

Sunny, triple-digit-degree days are great when you’re sitting poolside and sipping a frosty beverage, but when you’re at home trying to escape the heat? Not so much. Don’t wait for the summer’s first heatwave to realize your AC isn’t functioning like it should. Instead, proactively schedule an HVAC professional to check your AC system twice a year — once in the spring before the summer air conditioning season and again in the fall before the heating/furnace season starts. This proactive approach can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your system is running efficiently.

Why Schedule Professional HVAC Checkups?

Even if your AC seems to be working fine, scheduling an HVAC checkup twice a year with a professional can help prevent future problems and keep your system running efficiently. An AC unit that stops working mid-summer is the worst kind of surprise. A professional’s HVAC service checklist can include oiling the motors, checking the belts for tightness and wear, testing the thermostat’s accuracy, and measuring airflow across the evaporator coils, in addition to other maintenance tasks. However, the specific tasks may vary depending on your local environmental conditions and unit usage.

Common Air Conditioner Problems

After months of no use, you may find your AC unit needs a little extra TLC beyond the typical beginning-of-the-season maintenance tasks. Here are some common problems you may need to address before the summer is in full swing:
 

• Your HVAC unit isn’t cooling properly. If your home still feels warm even after you start up your AC, it could signal a couple of different problems, such as a refrigerant leak, a clogged drain in your unit, a problem with your thermostat, or a dirty air filter.
• Your HVAC unit isn’t turning on. Check if your thermostat is working and install new batteries. If you’re still having trouble getting the unit to turn on, it could mean your compressor and fan controls are worn out.
• You have limited airflow. Weak airflow could point to a dirty filter, or leaky or clogged ductwork.

DIY Tips for the Handy Homeowner

While professional checkups are crucial, there are some DIY tasks you can perform to keep your system in top shape between professional visits:
 

• Clean the outdoor AC unit. Start by turning off the AC unit and removing the top of the condenser. Clear away leaves, branches, and other debris around and inside the unit. Vacuum and brush away the remaining dust and dirt, then clean the coils with a foaming coil cleaner. Once the cleaner has a chance to sit on the coils for five to ten minutes, hose it off, along with the rest of the unit (just be sure to avoid any electrical components).
• Test the thermostat. If your thermostat is battery-operated, pop in some new batteries and take it on a test drive to ensure your AC unit turns on and starts blowing out cool air. Pro tip: Installing a programmable thermostat could help you save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs every year.
• Replace the air filter. The best way to keep your AC unit, and overall HVAC system, running smoothly in-between professional tune-ups is to stay on top of air filter changes. How often you need to change your HVAC filter will depend on factors like the type of filter you use and your lifestyle (such as whether you have pets or allergens), but at least every 90 days is a good rule of thumb if you have a 1” filter. For deep pleat air filters (4”, 5” or 6”), we recommend changing at least every 12 months. Any filter with a microparticle performance rating (MPR) of 1000 or higher will trap more particles, but if you want best-in-class air flow, try the Filtreteᵀᴹ MPR 1900 Premium Allergen, Bacteria & Virus Air Filter, named a top pick by The New York Times’ Wirecutter.

While some minor maintenance is manageable, many AC issues are signs of deeper trouble. Delaying a professional service call can turn a small, fixable problem into a major, expensive repair. An expert HVAC technician has the tools, training, and experience to accurately diagnose the root cause of the issue.

You should contact an HVAC pro if you start to notice any of the following issues:
 

• No cool or weak airflow
• Frequent cycling
• Pooled water or condensation around your AC unit
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coils
• Unusual noises
• Musty smells
• A sudden spike in your energy bill

Don’t let AC troubles put a damper on your summer! With a little preparation and regular professional checkups, you can help ensure your HVAC system works as it should. A little TLC now means a summer of comfort ahead.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Energy. “Home Cooling.” U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2016/11/f34/HomeCooling101.pdf (PDF, 1.79 MB)

2. U.S. Department of Energy. “Air Conditioner Maintenance.” U.S. Department of Energy. www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioner-maintenance