An annual air conditioner tuneup is essential to keep your equipment working at its best so your home stays cool and comfortable when the heat and humidity settle in for the summer. Scheduling a spring air conditioning maintenance visit before you start up your system for the season brings some other advantages too.
Advantages of Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance
Maximized Energy Efficiency
Annual routine spring air conditioning maintenance is important to keep your cooling system’s energy consumption in check. Scheduling a Shreveport AC maintenance service in the spring will let you reap the benefits of energy savings and lower utility bills throughout the coming cooling season.
Longer Air Conditioner Lifespan
Regular preventive care can help extend the useful life span of any type of mechanical equipment, and it can add years to the life expectancy of an air conditioner. Conversely, a lack of routine maintenance can result in an expensive equipment replacement due to an early failure.
Protection Against Mid-Season AC Breakdowns
The various system checks your HVAC technician performs during a routine maintenance visit allow him or her to spot issues early before they grow into bigger problems. By having these issues taken care of before they escalate, you can avoid the inconvenience and extra expense of a major mid-summer repair.
Optimized Cooling Capacity
Annual maintenance can preserve an air conditioner’s cooling capabilities and even restore lost capacity. If your system is running at full capacity, you’ll be more comfortable when the heat and humidity peak.
Increased Peace of Mind
If you schedule a spring air conditioner maintenance visit now before the summer rush hits, you can relax knowing your equipment is ready to provide reliable service on the hottest days. Plus, you’ll all but eliminate the risk of sweltering without a source of cool, conditioned air because your HVAC contractor’s schedule is fully booked when you need service.
What to Expect from an A/C Tuneup
During a comprehensive air conditioner tuneup, your technician will perform a long list of vital tasks that keep your HVAC equipment operating smoothly and efficiently. The key areas covered should include:
Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist
AC Refrigerant Levels
If your air conditioner is low on AC refrigerant, there’s a leak in the system that must be located and repaired before it’s recharged. Operating a cooling system with too little refrigerant can cause irreversible damage to the most expensive component, the condenser.
Thermostat Accuracy
Your technician may need to level and/or recalibrate it so that your home stays comfortable and you don’t waste energy.
Voltage and Amperage
Incorrect amperage and voltage can shorten the life of the condenser and compressor motors.
Temperature Differential
Checking the difference between the supply and return temperatures helps the technician determine whether your HVAC system is cooling your home efficiently and effectively.
Wiring and Electrical Connections
The improper voltage that can result from loose connections and/or corroded wiring can affect the operation of vital system components or cause them to fail prematurely.
Blower Assembly
Cleaning the blower components and checking the condition of the belt can maintain the system’s energy efficiency and keep cool air flowing into the rooms of your home.
Lubrication
A lack of lubrication on the system’s motors and moving parts causes drag and friction. Overcoming this resistance takes more energy, so utility bills will increase. Over time, the friction caused by insufficient lubrication can destroy the bearings and ruin a motor.
Condenser and Coils
The condenser and AC coils should be inspected to ensure proper operation. Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils is also essential to maximize the system’s energy efficiency and cooling capabilities.
Safety and System Controls
The system’s various controls, including the transformers, relays, pressure controls, and circuit boards, must be checked. This ensures the reliable, safe operation of the equipment.
Condensate Drain
If the condensate drain is blocked, a water backup could cause excess humidity problems and damage your HVAC equipment and home.
System Start-Up Cycle
Testing the start-up capabilities ensures that your system starts, operates, and shuts down as expected.
Air Quality Maintenance Checklist
Air Filter
If the filter is dirty, airflow is reduced, impacting the HVAC system’s energy efficiency. Severely restricted airflow from a badly clogged filter could damage the system’s components or cause an equipment failure. In between professional tuneups, check the filter once a month, and change or replace it as needed.
Ductwork Assessment
Leaks and obstructions in the ductwork can negatively affect proper air distribution and reduce comfort. The duct seal on the unit itself should also be inspected.
Shreveport Air Conditioner Maintenance Services
For more information on the benefits of scheduling an air conditioner tuneup in the spring before the hot weather arrives, contact us today at Pioneer Comfort Systems.