Must-Do AC Maintenance Tasks for the End of Summer
As the hot summer weather gives way to the chilling breeze of fall, it’s time to think about servicing your air conditioning system. Most homeowners know that they need to get their system serviced at the start of summer. However, not many realize there are necessary tasks that need to be performed at the end of the summer to keep their AC system in tip-top shape.
Replace Your Air Filter
When you plan to put your air conditioning system to rest for the long winter season, it’s a good rule of thumb to check your AC filter. Pull the filter out of its housing and hold it up to a light source. If you can see through the filter, it’s still got some life left in it.
If you can’t see through the filter, then it’s time for a replacement. You’ll want to replace your filter with the same model number filter to ensure that it fits correctly into the housing.
Clean Your Drain
Another vital item on your end-of-summer maintenance list is cleaning out the drain. You’ll want to remove any physical debris that you see lingering inside of the drain or the drain pipe. Mix up a 50/50 solution of bleach and water to pour down the drain. This will work to remove hard-water scaling and any stuck-on debris.
Clean Your Vents
There was a lot of air moving throughout your ductwork during the long summer months. That air can contain a great deal of dust and other airborne particles that can get stuck to the vents throughout your home. Take some time to vacuum these vents out and give them a good wiping with a wet cloth.
Clean Your Coils
Your air conditioning system has both evaporator coils and condenser coils. It’s very common for debris to get stuck to these coils as heat is transferred in and out of them. You’ll want to use a specialized foaming cleanser to clean off the coils.
Clean Your Condenser Unit
Your air conditioning system has an outdoor condenser unit that sits against your home. You’ll want to clean up around the unit and remove its cover. Use a vacuum or hose to remove the loose debris inside of the unit. Avoid utilizing a pressure washer as the pressure can bend sensitive parts of the condenser unit.
While you’re cleaning the condenser unit, take a few moments and assess your fins. If any of them are bent, now is the perfect time to straighten them back out. You can do this using a fin comb from your local hardware store or a small pair of needle nose plyers.
Listen to Your AC System
It can be very easy not to notice noises coming from your air conditioning system when they come on slowly over time. Now is the time to take a few moments and listen to your air conditioning system run. Listen for any odd noises like humming, hissing, or vibrating. These can signal the start of some serious issues with your system that will need to be addressed by an air conditioning professional before next summer.
Take Note of Odd Smells
Just as you may not notice sounds that develop over time, you may not notice smells that develop slowly. Use your nose and walk throughout your home. Take note of any odd smells coming out of any of the various vents. Be sure to stand by the indoor portion of your air conditioning system as well to see if there are any odd smells.
Look Over Your System’s Wiring
While you may not be an electrician, that doesn’t mean that you can’t inspect the wiring on your air conditioning system. Once you turn your entire air conditioning system off at the circuit breaker, it’s time to look over the wiring.
Go ahead and tighten up any loose wiring and take note of any areas of rust or frayed wires. These are issues that should be handled by a professional before you run your air conditioning system next season.
Have a Professional Tune-Up
Another great end-of-summer maintenance tip is to schedule a professional tune-up for your air conditioning system. One of our professionals can inspect your entire system and identify any potential problems like loose wiring or fan blades. We can even change out your filter and clean your whole air conditioning system for you.
Outstanding AC Maintenance
Vastola Heating & Cooling provides outstanding AC maintenance for the Orchard Park community. We also offer a full range of additional heating, cooling, indoor air quality, water heater, and ductwork services for all of our fellow neighbors. Just give us a call today to schedule your service appointment.
