As the weather warms and the days grow longer, it is time to consider air conditioner maintenance. Darias Heating & Air Conditioning in Victoria, BC, is here to help ensure your air conditioner is in prime condition to keep you cool this summer. Although professionals should conduct most AC maintenance, there are some tasks you can do to prepare. Maintenance will ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible and works efficiently.
Replace Your Filters
One of the simplest and most essential ways to maintain your air conditioner is to change its filters. Depending on the type and system, we recommend changing your filter every one to three months.
Clogged filters block airflow and can cause your air conditioner to cool ineffectively. They can also lead to higher electricity costs and eventual overheating. Replacing your air filter will protect indoor air quality and improve your system’s cooling.
Remember to turn your unit off before you change the air filter. Otherwise, there is a chance of an electrical shock or having dust pulled in between the time you remove the old filter and insert a new one.
Clear Around the Outdoor Unit
Spring is an excellent time to remove the debris around your outdoor unit. Be sure you have at least two feet of clearance around your outdoor unit. You should trim any plants and remove weeds to provide plenty of airflow. It also helps to remove any twigs and leaves that may cover your unit and prevent the fan from turning correctly.
Straighten Fins on Your Outdoor Unit
Air fins are on the cover of your outside condenser, and they help to direct airflow. Unfortunately, they’re often made of aluminum and easily damaged by branches and other debris. Use a screwdriver or a specialized fin comb to straighten them out so that they don’t block the air passageways.
Check Your Refrigerant Lines
An annual inspection of your refrigerant lines will ensure reliable cooling. Over time, these lines can become worn and damaged, leading to leaks. If you notice puddling around the lines, it is time to schedule a repair appointment. Low refrigerant can cause your air conditioner to work harder. It can also lead to frozen lines and overheating issues that can damage the system.
Darias Heating & Air Conditioning inspects your refrigerant lines as part of our maintenance package. We also test your system to ensure it has the right amount of refrigerant at the correct pressure. Do not operate your air conditioner if you suspect refrigerant line damage or leaks.
Test Your Thermostat
A properly working thermostat ensures your air conditioner reaches the set temperature and comes on and off at the correct times. Spring is the perfect time to remove the old batteries and add new ones. Set the thermostat at a temperature that’s a few degrees lower than the indoor air to test if the AC turns on.
You might want to consider installing a programmable thermostat. According to the US Department of Energy, these thermostats can save homeowners 10%-30% on cooling costs.
Clean the Air Vents
Make sure your vents are clean and unobstructed. Blocked vents can impede airflow, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. You can remove a handheld vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the vent covers. Do not cover the vents with furniture or drapes to ensure proper airflow.
Contrary to popular belief, you should never shut your vents. That can result in system damage caused by increased pressure from closed vents.
Inspect and Clean the Condensate Line and Tray
The condensate line drains water collected by the evaporator coils. Over time, the lines may become clogged with debris, algae, or mold growth. A blocked drain line can cause water to overflow into your home or lead to increased humidity.
As a part of our maintenance package, we inspect the condensate lines and ensure they flow freely. A small cap of bleach poured into the lines and tray every month can prevent mold and algae growth from clogging the line.
Consider an Air Quality Assessment
Poor indoor air quality can significantly negatively impact health. It can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms and expose your family to particulates, mold, and chemicals.
Darias Heating & Air Conditioning offers solutions to help you combat indoor air pollution. Because spring brings allergy season, it is an ideal time to schedule an indoor air quality assessment for greater comfort and peace of mind. The EPA recommends scheduling an air quality assessment every two to three years.
Schedule an Air Duct Inspection and Cleaning
Your air ducts can last 10 to 30 years before you need to replace them. Wear and tear can damage them, wasting energy and straining your AC.
Darias Heating & Air Conditioning inspects ductwork for signs of damage. Repairing any ductwork issues in the spring can ensure your ductwork is ready to perform and save you money on cooling costs. An annual ductwork inspection should become integral to your yearly home maintenance. It is also essential to have your ductwork cleaned regularly. We recommend cleanings every three to five years.
Check for Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Spring is an ideal time to make your home more efficient. Air leaks around windows and doors can make your home uncomfortable during the summer and cause your system to work harder, increasing electricity bills. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these areas, keeping summer’s heat out and cool air in.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
A comprehensive inspection done by one of our certified HVAC technicians will ensure your air conditioner is ready to combat the incoming heat of summer. They can identify hidden issues that may be unnoticeable to you, preventing expensive and annoying breakdowns.
We recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance in early spring so we can inspect and evaluate your air conditioner before you need it for summer. A quality AC maintenance appointment involves inspecting, testing, and cleaning to ensure safe and efficient performance. From measuring airflow to assessing the system’s overall performance, professional maintenance can help protect your air conditioner’s function and longevity. Your home will be more comfortable, and you will likely experience lowered electricity bills during the summer.
Reasons You Need Professional HVAC Maintenance
Although you should change your filters and perform minor tasks like cleaning your vents, some air conditioner maintenance tasks require professional intervention.
Our professional technicians have the tools and experience to test your air conditioner and ensure its peak performance. Many manufacturers require professional AC maintenance to keep the warranty in good standing. It is also essential to seek professional maintenance to spot electrical hazards that could cause fires.
Darias Heating & Air Conditioning provides the integral HVAC services our customers in Victoria, BC need. We offer ductwork, indoor air quality, installation, maintenance, and repairs for your HVAC system. Our annual maintenance plan offers a range of benefits, including 10% off repairs and a two-year warranty. Darias Heating & Air Conditioning‘s knowledgeable HVAC technicians follow the standards put forth by the TSBC (Technical Safety BC) to protect your safety.
Call our HVAC technicians at Darias Heating & Air Conditioning if you want to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
