Summers in Bradenton, FL are hot and humid. With daytime temperatures often holding steady at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, having a functional air conditioner is a matter of both comfort and safety. The best way to maintain a reliable and efficient cooling system is by taking good care of it. Fortunately, although AC maintenance is a multi-step process, you don’t have to do it on your own.
Inspect and Change Your HVAC Air Filter
Your HVAC air filter is a simple, low-cost component that has a major impact on the health and efficiency of your air conditioner. All of the air that enters your AC passes through it. Heavy build-ups of filter debris impede airflow, cause cooling system stress, and lower your indoor air quality (IAQ).
To avoid these and other problems, take your air filter out and inspect it monthly. Simply hold it up to the overhead light and look through it. If light can still pass through your air filter, air can still pass through it, too. Always replace your filter when you can no longer see light through it. According to most HVAC equipment manufacturers, homeowners should replace their standard air filters every 30 to 90 days.
Inspect and Clean Your HVAC Air Vents
Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and other debris from your HVAC air vent covers. If there are large clumps of dusty, lint-like matter just behind your vents, unscrew their covers and gently vacuum behind them. This will improve airflow and protect your IAQ.
Make sure that all of your HVAC air vents are at least partially open. Completely closing air vents to block conditioned air in one or more rooms can cause a dramatic rise in static pressure within your ducting. Multiple vent closures can lead to problems like frozen coils, short cycling, and overheating.
Clean the Perimeter of Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
Maintain optimum airflow by keeping the perimeter of your outdoor condenser unit clean. Try to give this unit at least two feet of clearance on all sides. Trim back all shrubs, hedges, and other landscape vegetation, and pick up all windblown leaves and twigs.
You should also prune all trees that overhang your condenser. Cutting off weak, dying, and low-hanging branches will protect this unit from impact-related damage.
Schedule Annual AC Tune-up Service
Apart from replacing your air filter, the easiest and most important step in ongoing AC maintenance is scheduling annual tune-up service. Your air conditioner should receive a full tune-up just before the summer season arrives. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we follow comprehensive and model-specific tune-up checklists. Our technicians:
- Test AC airflow
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Inspect all electrical connections
- Calibrate thermostats
- Check refrigerant levels
We also optimize blower fan speeds and lubricate all moving parts.
Scheduling annual tune-up service will extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. It will also keep you compliant with the terms of your AC manufacturer’s warranty.
Have Your HVAC Air Ducts Inspected
During annual AC maintenance, our HVAC technicians check all exposed ducting. Airflow testing offers insight into the integrity of the air ducts hidden behind drywall and other building materials. However, you should still have your ductwork thoroughly inspected and maintained once each year. If you didn’t schedule a complete ductwork inspection when having your heater tuned up for winter, it’s best to take care of this before summer arrives. Ragged, perforated, and crushed air ducts cause tremendous AC stress. They can also drive your home energy bill up and lower your IAQ.
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
HVAC air duct cleaning improves airflow and indoor air quality. Maintaining clean air ducts can also stave off problems like excess humidity, short cycling, and overheating. For best results, consider scheduling this service every three to five years. You should also schedule professional air duct cleaning following:
- Exposure to wildfire smoke
- Mold infestation
- Pest infestation
- Major remodeling projects
If you haven’t done so already, have your air ducts sealed and insulated as well.
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we provide expert AC tune-up services. We also offer HVAC air duct cleaning. If you need help keeping your air conditioner in top condition, give us a call today.