When you hire All Temp Air Conditioning & Refrigeration your equipment can last longer and cost less. Plus, it keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid.

Air conditioner maintenance is a relatively easy project, especially for those with a DIY background. Here are a few tips to get you started.

AC drain lines are often overlooked but play a critical role in your cooling system. They manage moisture, prevent water damage, maintain indoor air quality, and promote energy efficiency. When you understand how important they are and how clogged and blocked lines lead to trouble, you can take proactive steps to ensure proper functionality.

The drain line transports condensation from the evaporator coil into a drainage area outside your home. The line also ensures proper function by eliminating excess moisture and preventing mold growth. When blocked, it can lead to many problems ranging from water damage and structural issues to elevated indoor humidity levels.

When your air conditioner runs, moisture forms on the evaporator coil as it cools. The condensation collects in a drain pan and then travels through a p-trap and cleanout cap to the drain line. The drain line then transports the collected moisture away from the air conditioner to avoid accumulating and damaging your property. If the line becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up into the house and damage drywall, insulation, and flooring.

Clogged drain lines can also reduce the performance of your air conditioner, causing it to run inefficiently and potentially overheat. If the clog is severe, professional help may be required to remove it.

The best way to prevent AC drain line clogs is to perform air conditioning maintenance regularly and follow a cleaning and inspection schedule. That will not only avoid costly repairs and replacements, but it will ensure optimal cooling for years to come.

During your maintenance visit, your technician should thoroughly inspect the drain line to determine its condition and cleanliness. They should check for signs of clogging and blockages and look for rust on the drain line. In addition, your technician should examine the drain pan for signs of leaking.

Inspecting and maintaining the AC drain line is just one part of the comprehensive air conditioning maintenance service that an experienced technician should provide. You should also ask your technician to conduct a thermostat recalibration and duct sealing if necessary.

Air conditioning maintenance includes inspecting the ductwork, which delivers and exhausts conditioned air. While the ducts are easy to forget because they are usually located in attics, crawlspaces, or behind walls, it’s important to check their condition regularly. Poor ductwork can reduce indoor air quality and lead to AC repair and replacement costs.

A well-maintained duct system keeps conditioned air flowing smoothly to every room in the house. However, the ducts can become clogged with debris over time. In addition, leaks and cracks in the chimneys can allow dust, dirt, and other contaminants to flow into living spaces and contaminate the indoor air. The air ducts typically last about a decade, and it is important to check them periodically.

An air conditioning inspection is the best way to discover problems with the ductwork. A professional technician can use a blower to feel for air movement around duct seams and connections. They can also look for wet areas in the insulation, indicating blockage and needing to clean the area. The inspector can use aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant to close the hole if a leak is found.

The air conditioner inspector will also examine the condensate line. The drain line is critical to the cooling process because it carries excess water back to the drain pan and away from the house. If the drain line becomes loose or clogged, the AC system may overflow and damage the unit. An inspector will also look at the fan and motor in the condenser unit to ensure they are in good working order.

In addition, the HVAC professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks in the flue pipes and heat exchangers. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can build up in the home and be fatal if not removed quickly enough. The technician will also test the furnace pilot and burners to ensure they are in good working order. That is a critical part of an air conditioning maintenance checkup, as any problems with these components can shut down the entire unit.

The fins on the coil are a vital part of the air conditioner. They help move air across the ring and pull heat from it. However, the fins can easily get clogged with debris. That can reduce the efficiency of the unit, increasing your energy bills. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly. Fortunately, the air conditioning maintenance professional you hire will typically include this task in your annual tune-up.

A professional will remove the covers from the outdoor and indoor units to expose the fins. They’ll usually start by blowing off the loose dirt with a shop vac or using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. That will clear off the majority of the debris. They’ll also use a commercially available coil cleaner to remove the stubborn gunk. The dealer will then spray down the coils and fins. They’ll make sure to spray the waves at a straight angle rather than at an angle that could bend the fins and damage them.

In addition to cleaning the fins, an air conditioning maintenance expert will also inspect them for damage. For example, they’ll check for bent or missing fins and ductwork leaks. A thorough inspection can help them spot potential issues before they become major or emergencies.

During the tune-up, your air conditioning repair technician will also look for signs of water damage to the evaporator coil and compressor. That can lead to serious issues, including electrical fires and water damage throughout your home.

While some people may choose to perform some of the maintenance tasks independently, leaving this job to an experienced professional is a good idea. You can cause damage to your air conditioning system if you don’t know what you’re doing. For example, you might accidentally damage the delicate evaporator coil fins by using the wrong cleaning products or by handling them too forcefully. A professional can clean your coils without causing any harm to the system and save you money in the long run.

The air conditioning unit is the heart of your system, and it must be working properly. A yearly inspection helps prevent the problems that cause it to stop working, like low refrigerant levels or insufficient airflow. These issues not only lower performance but can also increase electrical costs, shorten the lifespan of your unit, and lead to costly repairs down the line.

When you have an AC professional perform a maintenance service, they will test the in and out the equipment, check the system controls, look for leaks, inspect and clean the exterior of the equipment, and clean the indoor and outdoor coils. These simple tasks will not only help increase your customer comfort but also decrease your in-warranty repair bills, callbacks, and energy use.

Your HVAC professional will also check the thermostat, ensuring it is calibrated correctly. They will also provide the thermostat is located away from heat sources and has a stable power source to avoid potential short circuits. They will also check the fuses and circuit breakers, tightening any loose connections to prevent them from sparking and potentially starting a fire.

Lastly, your HVAC technician will check the drain pan and switch to see if there is any accumulated moisture or microbial growth. They will also flush the drain line and clean the pan to reduce the amount of microbial growth and water leakage. They will also inspect and clean the condenser coils, making them less likely to clog.

The HVAC professionals you work with will also remove any leaves or debris around the equipment to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. They will clean the vent openings to prevent dust and pollen buildup. They will also clean the condenser fan blades to reduce rot, clean the interior of the evaporator coil, and ensure it is free of any dirt or debris.

It would be best if you didn’t attempt to do any of these air conditioning maintenance items alone, as this could damage the system or even cause injury. It is always best to leave these tasks to an experienced professional who knows what they are doing.