Beat the summer rush for air conditioner service by scheduling preventive maintenance early, and you’ll enjoy peak cooling performance and maximum home comfort. You’ll also catch system issues before the cooling season heats up.

Preventive maintenance

For maximum efficiency, free airflow is required through the air conditioner, duct system and living space; precise refrigerant charge and flow are needed for optimal heat exchange; and your system needs good electrical contacts and components, along with clear drainage. These are areas your certified HVAC professional checks during preventive maintenance.

Free airflow

  • Temperature drop across the evaporator coil is measured.
  • The evaporator and condenser coils are deep-cleaned, if necessary, to promote free airflow, which promotes efficient heat exchange.
  • The air filter is cleaned or replaced (you should also check the air filter yourself on a monthly basis during peak cooling and heating seasons).
  • The air blower is cleaned and balanced if necessary.
  • Ductwork is visually inspected for leakage.
  • A visual inspection of the living spaces is performed to ensure a clear path from the supply outlets to the return grilles.
  • A visual inspection of the outside cabinet is performed to ensure no blockages to airflow exist, including grass clippings, leaves, weeds, overgrown shrubs, fencing and anything else that obstructs airflow.

Refrigerant charge and flow

  • Refrigerant must be within an ounce of manufacturer specifications for optimal performance. Your air conditioner professional checks refrigerant charge, and tests for leaks.
  • The compressor is inspected for function, excessive noise and leaks.

Electrical contacts and components

  • Inspect electrical contacts for wear and tightness.
  • Test and verify electric control sequence.
  • Test thermostat accuracy and functions.
  • Oil moving components.
  • Check belt for wear and tightness.

Drainage

Clear drainage is vital to prevent water damage inside the home. Other contributing factors include ice accumulation on the evaporator coil, which is often caused by a dirty air filter, faulty electrical contacts and/or incorrect refrigerant charge, all of which are addressed during professional preventive maintenance.

  • The drain pan is inspected for standing water, mold and mildew.
  • The condensate line is inspected for clear drainage and wear.

For more information about air conditioner maintenance, please contact us at Comfort Systems today. We’ve helped Wichita area homeowners stay cool since 1995.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Posted in Air Conditioning, Service & Maintenance and tagged , , , , ,