What’s Involved in an Air Conditioner Checklist
The last thing you want to have happen in the heat of summer is for your air conditioning equipment to suddenly fail. You count on it to keep you and your loved ones cool in your house during the summer. Going though an air conditioner checklist at the beginning of the season can help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
As a homeowner, if you don’t keep your air conditioner properly maintained you could see a huge rise in your energy bills, equipment replacement, and repair costs.
Keeping your air conditioning and heating equipment systems well maintained is absolutely crucial in lowering your home energy costs and preventing unwanted problems.
The best way to keep your air conditioning equipment at peak performance is to schedule an air conditioner inspection with a professional licensed contractor. The best time to schedule this air conditioning inspection is in early spring before this equipment is needed.
You can perform this inspection yourself, but be aware that many state laws require a certified professional to perform any needed repairs. It is a simple process that will only take a few minutes to complete.
Select a date on the calendar to help you remember when to do this inspection each time it needs to be performed. The following information contains a checklist of air conditioning inspection items you can take care of on your own before you call a repair specialist.
How to Perform an Inspection
1. You will want to start your air conditioner checklist and equipment inspection by checking the settings on your thermostat to make sure everything is operating properly. Check to see if your air conditioner shuts off and turns on with the preset temperatures.
Inspect to see if your air conditioner shuts off at the wrong time when it should still be operating. If these temperature controls are not functioning as they should, it creates an unwanted increase in energy costs and could lead to equipment failure.
2. Cut off all power to your circuit breakers located in the electrical service panel before you continue. Any electrical connections should be tightened and the motors’ current and voltage measured.
Make sure all parts including the fan are properly lubricated to reduce friction that can cause an increase in the amount of electricity used. If the moving parts are making any noises, they need to be lubricated.
3. Make sure your central air conditioner’s condensate drain is clear. If it becomes clogged, it can create extensive water damage to ceilings and walls—encouraging mold or bacteria growth bacteria throughout the home.
You can suck out any dirt from the drain using a dry vacuum. If that does not work, a professional will have to use a high pressure vacuum to unclog the drain. Do not attempt to do this yourself as you may damage the equipment.
4. Your air conditioning evaporator and condenser coils and blower components should be cleaned regularly for proper energy output and long life of the equipment. You can find your condenser unit on the exterior of the house for a central air conditioning system on the concrete slab.
Your unit’s evaporator coil will be located above the furnace mounted on the main duct junction. If you find that the main duct junction is sealed with foil-wrapped insulation, the evaporator can be cleaned. But if it is sealed in a sheet metal box, do not open it to clean the evaporator.
5. Be sure to check air filters once a month and clean or change them as necessary. If you are not sure how to change your filters, your licensed contractor can help you with the process.
If you do not change your filters, you risk increased energy costs and equipment failure. Start the power to the circuit breakers once everything has been inspected thoroughly.
6. Recheck your air conditioner to make sure everything is working properly. Make sure that the air conditioning turns on and off at the appropriate preset temperature controls.
Check to see if the air conditioner shuts off at the wrong time. If it does, that is a sign that the equipment needs to be repaired.
Watch for steps to clean your AC Unit.
Call your local licensed professional contractor for any items on your checklist that need repairing or if you feel you cannot do an air conditioning inspection properly yourself.
Set up an annual maintenance contract to keep your air conditioning equipment performing at its best and to keep your energy costs low.
Air Conditioning Services You Can Count On
If you are looking for a certified contractor in the Newark, Delaware area, we here at Enhanced Heating and Air Conditioning would love to assist you. We provide a wide array of air conditioning inspection and repair services.
We perform seasonal care and maintenance; change filters; clean interior and exterior units; add refrigerant; install new AC units; replace condenser fans, air handlers, and coils; troubleshoot air conditioning systems, move exterior units, and a whole lot more. Schedule an appointment today for any of your air conditioning and repair needs.