Essential Spring Maintenance for Your HVAC System
Can you see it? It’s coming! We’re talking about spring. Soon the grass will start turning green and it will be time to think about making sure your air conditioning is ready for the first warm days. AC maintenance reduces the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs. Not to mention making sure you stay cool and comfortable inside your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home. While we certainly recommend you call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional air conditioner maintenance there are some things you can do to make sure your system is ready.
Change the Air Filter
One of the most important AC maintenance steps to take in the spring is to replace the air filter. A new air filter can improve the airflow and put less strain on the parts to ensure the AC lasts longer without premature wear and tear. The filter should be changed at least every 90 days and sometimes more frequently depending on conditions and type of filter. A clean filter will also prevent excess allergens and particles from circulating in the home when the air conditioner is in use.
Tidy Up Outside
Be sure to take a close look at the condenser, the outside component of your AC. Have the autumn leaves been cleared away? Are there any branches that came down during the winter near the compressor? What about vegetation or leftover grass clippings? Clean it all up. The compressor needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to assure proper airflow and efficient cooling.
Inspect the Ductwork
It’s also important to inspect your ductwork to determine if any leaks are present. There may be holes, or some of the joints may not be connected properly, which can allow the cooled air to escape before it ever reaches the family room where you are binge-watching the latest streaming sensation. Leaky ducts will also cause the AC to work harder than necessary which leads to increased wear and tear. This is an essential part of AC maintenance.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
So far, we’ve talked about things the typical homeowner can easily do, but it takes a professional HVAC technician to determine if your air conditioner is operating correctly and is ready to keep your home comfortable when the hot weather arrives. At a minimum the tune-up includes:
- Checking refrigerant level
- Inspecting and cleaning the outdoor condenser coil
- Inspect and tighten all electrical connections as needed
- Use test equipment to identify any components that may be on the verge of failing
Kotz Is Here To Help With Your AC Maintenance
Don’t get caught with your air conditioning “pants down” this spring. We all know how unpredictable the weather is in Waterford, MI and Oxford, MI and the hot weather can arrive much sooner than you expect. A call to Kotz Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing will assure your AC is ready for the challenge with our AC maintenance services.
