There is never a greater time for air conditioning (A/C) than when temperatures soar. It helps keep us cool indoors throughout the day, providing relief at home and work. Of course, that is when the air conditioning unit is working correctly.

The worst time for an air conditioning repair is when you need it most, but with routine HVAC maintenance, you will avoid HVAC repairs, and your trusty A/C will kick in on demand. As you will read, there are a few easy maintenance tips you can handle yourself.

Examine the Thermostat

You should check a couple of things as you begin your maintenance checklist.

1. First, double-check the thermostat settings to verify if your air conditioning is working correctly. 
2. Determine if the settings are satisfactory or if the room seems warmer than it should be. 
3. See if the thermostat runs the A/C continually or turns on and off according to room temperature.

If everything seems normal, move on to inspect the unit. If not, you may need an HVAC repair after you finish the remainder of the basic air conditioning maintenance.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

Your furnace and air conditioning unit have air filters that help remove dust and particulates from the air as indoor air circulates through the system. Unfortunately, the A/C unit will no longer function when the air filter becomes full and clogged.

It becomes inefficient, and your air conditioning system can’t keep up with demand and struggles to produce enough cool air. Yet, if you change your furnace and air conditioner air filters every month, you will have far fewer cooling problems.

Clean the Outside Unit and Keep the Area Clear

Air conditioners draw outdoor air, circulate it through an internal cooling system, and push it through the ductwork via the fan. However, dirt, debris, and other materials that coat or block the A/C unit can impede airflow, preventing it from having enough circulation to operate.

Keeping your outside unit clean and clear is another checkmark off the list, especially if you routinely check it after high winds or storms.

Check For Water

When warm air is cooled, condensation (water) forms; it is normal to see water condensing on the evaporator coil and dripping into a collection pan before exiting through a drain tube. 

Of course, if there is excessive water or pooling where it shouldn’t, a tube blockage is possible. In addition, it leaves stagnant water to develop mold and bacteria, which can spread through the home’s HVAC system. So, it is essential to check for any water around your air conditioner, and if you do find standing water, you may need a professional HVAC repair to protect your family’s health.

Examine the Condenser Unit’s Fan

Where there is airflow, there is a fan doing the work to provide cool, relieving air. Unfortunately, nothing happens when that fan breaks down, and you begin to suffer from hot outdoor temperatures. 

So, if you notice that your air conditioning is lacking, check to see if the condenser unit fan is operational. Again, you may need an HVAC repair to replace the fan or one of the motor components responsible for its operation.

Have Your Unit Professionally Inspected and Maintained

If you can’t find or solve the problem, you can easily keep your A/C unit in prime condition with routine HVAC maintenance.

Professional HVAC technicians, like those at Heat Mechanical & Electrical in Waxahachie, TX., will inspect and monitor your A/C’s performance, catching any issues long before they become full-blown problems. With their knowledgeable and friendly service, you can stay cool with confidence.

Don’t wait for a breakdown before having your air conditioning maintained. Instead, book your service online or by calling 972-937-0697 today!