Hotter temperatures are on the way which means you’ll be using your air conditioner more and more. If your HVAC system isn’t ready, it can cost you even more.

Summer Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist

1. Change air filters. Changing air filters is probably the easiest way to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Problem is most people neglect to do it on a regular basis. Filters may need to be changed at least once a month during the summer.
2. Clean condensation lines. Your air conditioner produces condensation and the pipe that takes condensation away from the unit can get clogged. When that happens, the condensation can back up in the air conditioner, maybe your house, and turn into a messy problem and a costly repair bill. Check this pipe from time to time to make sure it’s draining correctly.
3. Upgrade thermostat. If you’re using an outdated thermostat it could be costing you money. Programmable thermostats can help you reduce cooling costs because you can set it to cool at the times you need it more, like when you’re at home.
4. Clean outdoor coils. The outdoor unit has coils that need to be clean. The performance of your air conditioner can become sluggish when dust and dirt accumulates on the coils. You can disconnect the power and use a garden hose to spray the unit down. For units that are more heavily soiled, you can use a commercial air-conditioner cleaner.
5. Clean ac fins. The outdoor unit also has fins that need to be clean. These fins increase the surface space of your air conditioner. If they are dirty it can impact the efficiency of your air conditioner. Take a brush and gently run it across each fin but be careful no tot bend them. If you have fins that are bent there is a tool you can buy to straighten them out.
6. Check concrete slab level. The concrete slab that your outside unit sits on needs to be level. If it’s not level, the unit will need to work harder to cool your home. You can use a board to pry the slab up enough to add gravel below it until it’s level. Remove the board when it is.
7. Keep outdoor condenser unit free of debris. Debris that collects around the outdoor unit can reduce the performance of your air conditioner. Keep it clear and remove plants that block the unit. Check it monthly during the summer months to make sure it’s clear of debris.
8. Inspect ductwork. Leaky ductwork can create a significant rise in heating and cooling costs. Check your ductwork for disconnected joints, separated pieces and holes. If you find any problems, you will need to have them taken care of as soon as possible. Holes can be sealed with tape that carries an Underwriters Laboratories logo.

HVAC Services in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam Massachusetts

Take steps to keep your home cool this summer and contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning if you start having any problems. Contact us for all your HVAC needs!