It’s spring in Florida, which means warm (not scorching hot) days, cooler nights, and less humidity. It’s also when we begin to turn on our air conditioners again after giving our cooling units a short break in the winter.
Spring is the perfect time to have your air conditioner inspected and tuned-up before the hot summer months arrive. If you haven’t already scheduled your annual AC maintenance service, now is the best time to have your equipment checked, cleaned, and tuned-up by your local Orlando AC contractor.
AC Maintenance Tasks You Can Complete on Your Own
Clear away any obstructions near your outdoor AC unit
The outdoor unit is vulnerable to the elements and may have leaves, dirt, or other debris building up around it. It’s a good idea to give it a quick inspection every couple of months and remove any debris. You will also want to avoid planting near the unit, and clear out any vegetation that has grown near it.
Clean the AC fins
The outside unit also features fins that can accumulate dirt and grime over time. You can use a specially designed fin comb to get the job done quickly and easily. Fin combs are available at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Clean the drain line
The condensate drain line works to remove the water that is produced when the evaporator coil converts refrigerant from liquid to gas. The drain line can become blocked with algae and other buildup over time. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to clear out the drain line, or flush it with vinegar to prevent mold, bacteria, and other growth from forming inside the line.
What to Expect During Professional AC Maintenance
While DIY AC maintenance is a great step towards a healthier and more efficient AC unit, professional maintenance provides added peace of mind. The most effective way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to have it professionally maintained at least once a year.
Your Orlando AC contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough inspection of your indoor and outdoor cooling equipment. They will typically go through a 20-point service check that includes:
- Voltage measurement and readings
- Amp draw test
- Electrical wiring inspections
- Refrigerant pressure measurements/refrigerant recharging
- Control board, contactor, and relay inspections
- Outdoor condenser coil cleaning
- Outdoor unit cleaning
- Motor and bearing lubrication
- Evaporator coil drainage
- Blower motor and capacitor checks
- Thermostat calibration
- Ductwork inspections for proper sealing
- Air filter replacement
Why Invest in Annual AC Maintenance and Tune-Ups?
Many homeowners replace their air filter every two or three months, and that’s the extent of their AC maintenance. While filter replacement is an important task, it’s just one of many crucial items that require regular attention. The rest of your AC equipment (the blower motor, evaporator coil, and the outdoor unit) all need regular maintenance and care as well.
Taking the time to have your AC unit professionally tuned-up will provide you with numerous benefits, including:
- Longer AC life
- Lower electricity bills, particularly during the summer
- Less risk of unexpected problems developing
- Cleaner and healthier indoor environment
- More efficient, reliable, and consistent cooling throughout the year
Regular maintenance can also keep your warranty valid. Many AC warranties come tied with maintenance requirements; annual maintenance will help prevent your warranty from becoming void should something happen to your AC before then.
Ready to enjoy greater indoor comfort and more efficient cooling? Call 4 Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating at (407) 295-9231 to learn more about our spring AC maintenance services in Orlando and surrounding areas in Central Florida.