How To Maintain an Air Conditioning System

Our hot and humid summers in Baltimore mean your air conditioner has its work cut out for it from June through September. The best way to ensure that it’s up to the task is to stay on top of the preventative maintenance it requires.

Some maintenance you can handle yourself, while other tasks you should leave to the professionals. Combined, the right maintenance regimen can keep your system in prime condition summer after summer.

Why Air Conditioning Maintenance Matters

There are many reasons to stay on top of preventative cooling maintenance. Routine preventative tune-ups help to:

• Improve the energy efficiency of your home
• Reduce your cooling costs
• Protect your system from sudden breakdowns
• Avoid costly repairs
• Preserve warranty coverage if you have a newer system
• Extend the serviceable lifespan of the unit by many years
• Ensure your comfort throughout the summer by keeping your home cool

DIY AC Tune-Up Tasks

Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly

Changing your air filters helps improve airflow and indoor air quality. By removing dirty and clogged filters, you’ll trap more particulates and enjoy greater comfort.

Filter changes are a simple, straightforward step that all homeowners should perform. Most filters take mere minutes to remove and change:

• Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended size and optimal MERV rating for your filters.
• Purchase replacement filters at your local hardware, grocery, or department store.
• Locate the return vents in your home. They may be on walls or ceilings.
• Open the return vent cover.
• Remove and dispose of the old filter.
• Install the new filter, ensuring the arrows are facing up.
• Close the return vent cover.

During high-use periods, such as over the summer, we recommend monthly filter changes, though you can often change your filters every three months.

Clean the Coil & Condenser Unit

Dirt and debris can blow into your outdoor unit and attach themselves to the coils and condenser unit. As these become encrusted, the coating will reduce the cooling efficiency of your AC. This will make the unit work harder and use more energy to deliver the comfort you desire.

This task is often left to professionals, but you can complete it yourself through these steps:

• Shut the unit off and turn off the breaker.
• Check the refrigerant pressure.
• Remove the outer casing of the condenser.
• Remove any debris like sticks or leaves.
• Rinse the outer casing and AC coil with a water hose.
• Spray the coil with a cleaning agent. Choose a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution for your system’s brand.
• Rinse the solution off the coil.
• Recheck the refrigerant pressure. It should be lower after the cleaning.

Inspect & Clear the AC Drain Line

The AC drain line transports excess moisture that condenses on the evaporator coils inside your home to the outdoor unit. It’s a small line, usually made of PVC. If it clogs, water can back up into your home, damaging drywall, flooring, etc., and the system can also malfunction.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to keep it clean so the water can flow to the outside drain. If you notice a moldy smell from your AC, standing water near the outdoor unit, or decreased AC efficiency, you may have a clogged AC drain line.

You can leave this task to the professionals or unclog the line yourself by following these steps:

• Turn off the air conditioner.
• Check the drain pan for standing water.
• Remove any water with rags or a wet vac and clean the pan.
• Remove any debris on the drain or drain pipe opening.
• Use a wet vac, garden hose, or plumber’s snake to remove the clog.
• Check to ensure the clog is cleared by pouring a small amount of water through the drain.
• Clean the pipe with distilled vinegar or a commercial cleaner designed for PVC piping.
• Reassemble any parts and restore power to your AC.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance Annually

We strongly recommend annual maintenance for all air conditioning systems in the Baltimore area. It’s important to hire a licensed and insured HVAC technician to perform this service.

A professional will provide a thorough inspection and perform the task quickly, safely, and to the highest standards. Most maintenance appointments take just an hour or two to complete, so it’s not something you have to schedule a whole day around.

What To Expect During AC Tune-Ups

While you can schedule maintenance at any time, we recommend scheduling in the spring before the hot summer weather arrives.

During a maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will perform a broad range of services customized to meet the requirements of your system, such as:

• Inspecting air filters
• Checking refrigerant pressures
• Cleaning outdoor coils
• Cleaning burners and flame sensors
• Inspecting all motors and electrical connections
• Performing a carbon monoxide safety check
• Performing a combustion analysis for efficiency and safety
• Checking gas line connections to ensure safe operation
• Checking indoor humidity
• Checking thermostat operation

If we notice any issues, we’ll recommend and complete the needed AC repair to restore proper function. If you have an aging system, tune-ups are the best way to avoid premature failure and help you plan your AC replacement.

Why Choose Len The Plumber Heating & Air for Cooling Maintenance?

The experts at Len The Plumber Heating & Air have proudly served homeowners for over 25 years. When you choose our team, you’re choosing:

• Same day service
• Experienced technicians
• Fully stocked trucks
• Maintenance plan options
• No surprise fees

Our experienced technicians care about your comfort and are always available and reliable.

Contact Len The Plumber Heating & Air today to request AC maintenance in the Baltimore area.