DIY AC Maintenance Checklist
Can you imagine a scorching hot day here in La Plata, without air conditioning? During those dog days of summer, your air conditioning system can be your very best friend.
Be sure to perform basic maintenance regularly and invest in a professional AC tune-up at least once a year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, good maintenance can save money and reduce your energy usage.
Here’s a comprehensive air conditioning maintenance checklist, courtesy of our professionals at Classic Air, to help keep your system in excellent working order between our annual tune-ups.
- Check Your Air Circulation
- Change the AC’s Air Filters
- Uses Your Senses to Monitor Your AC
- Check the AC’s Thermostat
- Look for Ice Buildup on the AC Coils
- Monitor for AC Coolant Leaks
What AC Maintenance Can I Do?
Wondering what AC maintenance tasks you can handle yourself? While some jobs are best left to the pros, homeowners can take several simple steps to keep their cooling system running smoothly.
From checking airflow and changing filters to using your senses and spotting signs of trouble, here are key maintenance tips that help extend your system’s lifespan and improve performance—without needing a toolbox full of skills.
Check Your Air Circulation
Perhaps the most important thing to be sure you have around your air conditioner is plenty of space for good air circulation. Most air conditioners have a unit that sits outside your home.
It’s a good idea to inspect this area to be sure leaves, sticks, and other yard debris are cleared every spring. Once the summer gets into full swing, don’t forget to mow and use a weed whacker around your unit as well.
Change the AC’s Air Filters
Ensuring you regularly change your air filters accomplishes the goal of providing good airflow. Your system likely has an air filter at the handler and wherever you may have an intake vent located in your home.
If you have a clogged filter, it can take more effort from your air conditioning system to move the air throughout the unit, which can wear down parts prematurely.
Replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can lower your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Pay attention to the recommended life of your filters (usually 30–90 days) and change them on time.
Uses Your Senses to Monitor Your AC
General awareness of how your air conditioning system should sound and look can be simple. If you notice something doesn’t look quite right, your air conditioner suddenly makes unusual sounds, or it emits strange odors, it can signal a need for air conditioning repair or maintenance.
Check the AC’s Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working properly, it will not be sending the correct information to your air conditioner. As a result, your system can’t work properly. In addition, if a broken thermostat causes your system to cycle on and off too frequently, it can cause longer-term damage to your entire air conditioning system.
Periodically inspect the function of your AC and verify the settings are still adequate for your cooling needs.
Look for Ice Buildup on the AC Coils
Check your AC coils every few months. If you notice ice building up on your air conditioning evaporator coil, you probably have an airflow problem. Double-check to be sure your filter and air ducts are clean.
If you have a lot of ice, you may need to shut off your system, defrost it all, ensure air circulation is fine, and then turn it back on. If the problem continues, it’s a good idea to call one of our professionals to conduct an inspection.
Monitor for AC Coolant Leaks
The refrigerant or coolant must be at a specific level and pressure to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Checking the level and refilling (which is called “recharging”) requires calling an HVAC professional.
However, you can inspect around your system for any noticeable leaks or, as mentioned above, use your senses to know whether a leak may be present. A refrigerant leak can cause inadequate cooling or air flow issues.
Leaking coolant can be a significant environmental problem, so address any noticeable leaks immediately.
Schedule an Annual AC Tune-Up
One of the best ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year. During a tune-up, an HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and optimize your system to prevent breakdowns and catch minor issues before they become major repairs. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your AC but also ensures peak performance and energy savings during the hottest months.
Contact Classic Air for All Your Air Conditioning Needs
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your air conditioning system inspected, call Classic Air in La Plata, MD. Our trained experts would be happy to come out and provide a thorough cleaning and inspection to help keep your air conditioner running efficiently throughout the summer. Call us at 240-412-0239 or request service online today.