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The end of summer can be the most intense strain on your air conditioner, making it more important that it’s running efficiently. Take a little time to properly maintain your system and ensure it’s ready to run strongly the rest of the season.
1. Change Your HVAC Filter
Your air filter keeps contaminants out of your system, preventing airflow restrictions. However, as it collects contaminants, it will also clog and need replacing.
Most 1- and 2-inch filters need replacing every 30 to 90 days. If you haven’t checked or replaced your filter yet this summer, you may want to plan to replace it. Keeping up with filter maintenance ensures your system can effectively cool your home and reduces wear and tear.
2. Clean and Clear Your Outdoor Condensing Unit
Aside from your air filter, your outside condensing unit can become clogged from seasonal dirt, pollen and overgrown vegetation. When the unit gets clogged, it can’t draw sufficient airflow to vent the heat it absorbs from the air inside.
Start by clearing any obstructions from around the unit, including grass, weeds, tree and bush branches and landscaping architecture. Most manufacturers recommend keeping at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and 5 feet above it where the heat vents. Finally, gently rinse the outside unit with a garden hose with an open end to prevent pressure damage.
3. Check Your Thermostat
Every thermostat has a limited service life before the internal sensors and controls wear out and go bad. Modern digital thermostats have an expected service life of 10 to 15 years, after which you should replace them.
If your thermostat is nearing this age, consider finding a replacement that meets your current needs. If it’s not that old, consider replacing the batteries, which most manufacturers recommend changing once or twice annually. Additionally, check your time settings to ensure the clock is still reading accurately to run programs at the right time.
4. Check Your Condensate Drain
As your air conditioner cycles, it’ll draw moisture from the air, called condensate, that collects and needs draining. Most systems have a special pipe, called a condensate drain, that moves the condensed moisture to a safe drain point. Over time, this drain will clog with mildew, dirt and other contaminants.
Check to ensure that the pipe is draining effectively. If it’s backing up, plan to flush it with a solution of a cup of distilled white vinegar and a cup of hot water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with regular water.
5. Check Your Vents
Aside from your air filter, your vents can become blocked and further restrict airflow throughout your home. The result is less effective cooling, additional wear and higher energy bills. Simply check that each vent is open and has at least 6 inches above and around it clear.
6. Get Current on Routine Maintenance
If you did not get routine maintenance at the beginning of the summer, now is a great time to get it done. It may not undo any additional strain or wear from the season so far, but it prevents excessive strain over the waning heat. Additionally, your technician will identify any potential issues from wear that could result in needing priority during a heat wave.
7. Check Condensing Unit Fins
The condensing unit outside has fins on the exterior of the unit that help to dissipate heat. However, these are easily damaged, and when bent, they can restrict airflow through the unit.
Inspect the unit to ensure there aren’t a lot of damaged fins. If there are, either use a special fin tool to straighten them or hire an HVAC technician to come fix them.
8. Fix Minor Issues Now
Any time there’s a component operating less than optimally, it strains the entire system and makes it more vulnerable to a breakdown. If there’s something that seems off or you know of a repair your system needs, get it fixed before it balloons when the end-of-season heat blows through.
With more than 20 years of experience, property owners around Springfield turn to FTS Heating & Cooling for trusted HVAC services. Our team provides heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair and installation. Be sure to ask us about our maintenance plan!
Call to schedule an AC maintenance or repair visit with one of our highly trained technicians.
