How To Maintain an Air Conditioning System

Summer in Peoria, AZ is brutal. Triple-digit temperatures are the norm. Without functional air conditioners, homes quickly become uninhabitable. Regular AC maintenance is key to keeping your cooling system both reliable and efficient. At Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re sharing six easy tips for AC system upkeep.

1. Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly

You’ll find your air conditioner’s air filter in the air handler or just inside your return air ducts. All air that enters your cooling system passes through the air filter. Air filters remove dirt, dust, pollen, and more. Not only do they play an integral role in protecting your indoor air quality (IAQ), but they also prevent airborne particulates from settling on sensitive interior components.

When HVAC air filters develop heavy buildups of collected debris, air conditioners have a hard time drawing air in and circulating it. This can result in functional problems like overheating, icing, and intermittent shutdowns.

Replacing your air conditioner’s air filter is one of the most important parts of ongoing AC maintenance. It’s also the first step in AC troubleshooting.

You should inspect your HVAC air filter monthly and replace it as needed. According to AC manufacturers, this is about once every one to three months. You can determine when your filter needs replacing by holding it up to the overhead light. When light can no longer pass through the debris on a filter’s mesh, air can no longer pass through it either. For more air filter replacement tips, call Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating!

2. Keep the Coils Clean

Your air conditioner has an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. The AC evaporator coil is in the indoor air handler. The condenser coil is in the condenser unit in your back or side yard. Cold, liquid refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs the heat in warm air, and hot, gaseous refrigerant releases this heat outside. Keeping your coils clean supports efficient heat transfer and limits AC stress.

Coil cleaning is a standard part of our professional AC maintenance service. With our experienced HVAC technicians on the job, you won’t have to worry about bent coil fins or other other coil damage. You can schedule a pre-season AC tune-up to get your air conditioner’s coils summer-ready. Call Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating now for expert AC coil cleaning! We service central air conditioners and ductless mini-splits.

3. Check and Clean the Condensate Drain

When refrigerant travels to the outdoor condenser unit as a vapor gas, it sheds collected humidity. Your air conditioner funnels condensed moisture down its AC condensate drain. Due to the warm, wet conditions of this drain, it’s prone to developing bacteria, mold, and algae buildup. If these growths obstruct the condensate drain, your air conditioner’s drain pan will overflow. This will leave pooling water on your floor. It can also leave your home feeling muggy or clammy. Drain blockages are often responsible for rank, moldering odors during AC operation.

When performing monthly filter inspections, check the condensate drain pan for built-up water and overflows. When performing your annual AC tune-up service, we’ll clean, disinfect, and deodorize your AC condensate drain.

4. Inspect and Maintain the Thermostat

As the brain of your cooling system, the thermostat tells your AC when to turn off and on. Adjust your thermostat before the start of each season to reflect your cooling needs, preferences, and energy savings goals. During AC tune-up service, we’ll inspect, test, and calibrate this important component.

5. Check Refrigerant Levels

Another critical part of annual air conditioning maintenance is refrigerant testing. Too much refrigerant due to incorrect recharge service creates dangerous operating conditions. Too little refrigerant can cause permanent compressor damage. To avoid refrigerant leaks and other problems, schedule professional AC servicing in Peoria once a year.

6. Ensure Proper Airflow Around the Unit

Check your home for vent closures. You may have people in your household who close vents to direct conditioned air away. This creates a significant rise in static pressure within HVAC ducting and causes extreme cooling system stress. Make sure that all air vents are clean and at least partially open.

Verify that your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit has at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides. Throughout spring and summer, regularly inspect your AC condenser and clear away overgrown foliage and windblown debris.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance Near Peoria

Maintaining a fresh HVAC air filter and keeping the perimeter of your outdoor condenser clear will promote air conditioning efficiency throughout the summer months. However, you need professional AC system upkeep for everything else.

We offer top-notch AC installation, repair, and maintenance services. For annual AC tune-up service or when the signs of AC problems arise, contact Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating of Peoria.