Summer is swiftly approaching—we’ve already hit 80 degrees this month here in Iowa! With the continued warm weather comes increased use of your air conditioner. To keep your family happy and cool all summer, it’s important to be on top of AC maintenance sooner rather than later.
To help ensure your air conditioning unit is in the best shape, follow this AC maintenance checklist and, as always, reach out to Wyckoff with all your questions and professional needs.
Clean or Replace the Air Filters
Clogged or dirty air filters can lead to many issues with your HVAC because it makes it much harder to pull air into the system. Checking on your AC unit filters is something you should do at least every three months while you’re using it heavily.
One way to tell that your AC unit filter needs to be replaced is if the covers over the intakes inside your house are coated with dust. Typically, if the cover has built-up dust, odds are the filter underneath is clogged.
To find out what size and type of air filter you should buy for your HVAC, look at your existing one. Most filters have the sizes and types listed on the side. You can buy a new filter from Wyckoff, or skip all the work and have us install it for you!
With regular filter cleaning or replacement, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner and prevent the likelihood of a breakdown.
Clean the Condenser and Compressor
Most residential air conditioning units have an exterior condenser and compressor that need to be cleaned. These parts can become full of leaves, dirt, and other debris from your yard. Before you clean these components, you’ll want to turn off the compressor.
To turn off the compressor, turn your unit off at its shut-off box and then find the circuit breaker switch that goes to your air compressor and shut that off too—just to be on the safe side. To clean, use a screwdriver and wrench to remove the fasteners on the compressor’s top. From there, you can remove the debris by hand or with a vacuum.
When in doubt, give us a call at Wyckoff! We can provide air conditioning cleaning with our routine maintenance services.
Inspect the Refrigerant Tubing and Levels
Inside your air conditioning unit, there are small tubes that run from the exterior condenser/compressor to the air handling unit. They carry the system’s refrigerant between the two to help regulate the temperature in your home.
If your refrigerant tubes have a leak, the system will need professional HVAC repair to ensure the coolant is handled safely and to prevent future leaks. Without refrigerant, your unit won’t be able to cool your home at all.
Check Air Ducts
If there are holes or blockages in your ductwork, it will prevent your unit from working as it’s supposed to and may put extra strain on your air conditioning unit, which can cause it to break down.
There are a few ways your air ducts can become damaged:
- Pest infestations
- Water damage from condensation
- Accidental mishandling of ducts
- Corrosion
To avoid HVAC issues that could be costly, have your ductwork inspected regularly by a heating and cooling expert.
Call Wyckoff for Inspection and Repairs
The most important thing to cross off your air conditioning maintenance checklist is calling Wyckoff! Our team will get your unit in great working condition for another hot summer in Iowa. With an inspection or repair by Wyckoff, you’ll have the peace of mind that your AC unit will keep you cool all season long.
Now is the time to have your unit serviced—call today!