While an annual AC maintenance tune-up is a must to keep your air conditioning running well, you should be doing regular checks yourself to keep it going well the rest of the year. It’s the HVAC equivalent of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
We’ve put together a quick AC maintenance checklist to guide you during the months between regular AC maintenance services.
Running through these every month – even in the winter – can help you beat that Phoenix heat.
1. Air Filter
If you do nothing else on this list, checking, cleaning, and/or replacing your filter every month is a must. It’s at the top of any good checklist for AC maintenance.
The air filter keeps your blower motor and evaporator coil clean by keeping dust from getting into the system. This keeps the system running efficiently and improves the lifespan of the equipment.
Ensure you have the right size filter for your unit and check or change it out every 30 to 90 days. The arrows on the filter should be pointing in the direction of the airflow, meaning toward the fan.
2. Condenser
The condenser is the part of your system that sits outside and keeping it clean is another easy maintenance item. Over time, dirt, grass clippings, and other debris can get in the unit and force it to work harder than it should. It doesn’t take a Haboob to get too much dust into the unit!
To keep the condenser clean, all you need is to spray it down with your garden hose. Check the fins on the cover for any that might have gotten bent by a flying rock and make sure nothing is blocking airflow to the unit. As far as AC maintenance in Phoenix goes, this is an easy but necessary item to check off the list.
3. Ductwork and Vents
Inspect vents and ductwork for any excessive dust buildup or mold and clean them up as needed. While you’re wiping things down, keep an eye out for holes or other damage in the ducts that can cause air leaks.
4. Condensate Line and Drain Pan
The condensate line takes moisture that collects on the evaporator coils off away and down your drain. The line you see running to the outside of your home is a backup to keep a clog from causing your drain pan to overflow.
You can keep an eye out for any dripping outside the house and clean any sludge buildup in the line or out of the drain pan. A mixture of one part bleach to one part water can kill off anything growing in and blocking the line.
Run Your AC Maintenance Checklist Monthly
This AC maintenance checklist is a starting point for keeping your air conditioning running smoothly and ensuring a long life for your unit. Doing these regular checks also makes you aware of any minor problems that might crop up between tune-ups that would require professional service.
For quality AC maintenance services in Phoenix, contact the team at Scottsdale Air to schedule a tune-up of your HVAC system. Our experienced technicians will work through a more comprehensive list of checks that will keep you cool all summer long.
If your system needs a professional ac maintenance service check, tune up, repair or replacement we can help! Contact the Surprisingly Affordable HVAC experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to get more information here: 480-359-7141 OR you can request service online here.
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