Avoid the Most Common Reasons Why Small Issues Can Turn Into Big Headaches
Spring is an excellent time to ensure that your HVAC system is ready for the hot weather in Tacoma, WA. Following a spring HVAC maintenance checklist helps you identify issues that can be easily repaired before they worsen and become more expensive to fix.
This HVAC preventive maintenance checklist will guide you through what you need to do to keep your HVAC system in good shape for summer. Read on for top tips on taking care of your HVAC at home.
Will maintenance reduce the chances of breakdowns?
Yes, HVAC maintenance reduces the chance of breakdowns and costly repairs. When you take care of routine tasks like replacing air filters and cleaning condenser coils, you ensure that the system remains efficient and reliable during the warmer months.
The other benefit of routine HVAC maintenance is that you can identify minor issues and address them before they become bigger issues. Inspecting your HVAC system helps you catch damage early to prevent it from getting worse, which can prevent unexpected failures and extend your unit’s lifespan.
Let’s dive into the checklist so you can keep your HVAC working optimally for the summer season.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Replacing or cleaning your air filters ensures your HVAC has proper airflow. Over time, filters can get clogged by dust, debris, pollen, and other airborne particles. When this happens, your system must work harder to distribute air through the ducts to cool your home.
Dirty air filters force your system to work harder than necessary, increasing energy costs and wearing down internal components. Air filters should generally be changed or cleaned every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter.
Replacing the air filters in your home also helps improve indoor air quality, reducing allergens, dust, and other debris.
Remove Debris From Outdoor Unit
Another simple maintenance task you can do at home is keeping your outdoor HVAC unit free and clear of debris. There should ideally be a 2-foot clearance around all sides of the unit to ensure proper, unrestricted airflow.
In Tacoma, WA, leaves, pine needles, and small branches can accumulate around outdoor HVAC units, blocking airflow and reducing their ability to release heat effectively. Turn off the power before performing any cleaning. Remove any branches, leaves, or other debris from around the unit and trim shrubs or bushes if necessary.
Test Thermostat
It’s important to test your thermostat before the summer season by turning it on and switching it to cooling mode. If it doesn’t turn on, you may need to replace the batteries or get a new thermostat. This simple check ensures your HVAC system responds properly when temperatures rise.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is crucial to your HVAC system’s operation. If the refrigerant level is too low, your AC won’t work properly and may struggle to cool your home. Low refrigerant levels are often due to leaks rather than normal use.
If you notice weak airflow, warm air coming from the vents, or longer cooling cycles, your HVAC may have low refrigerant. Refrigerant is part of a sealed system, so checking and refilling it should be handled by a licensed professional.
Look for Damage
Looking for physical damage to your unit in the springtime ensures it’s ready to go for summer. Even minor physical damage to the unit can impact its operation. Inspect the outdoor unit for issues, like bent fins, loose panels, or signs of corrosion. Sometimes, severe weather or falling branches can damage HVAC components during the winter.
If you notice signs of damage, contact an HVAC specialist to repair the unit. Addressing issues early can help prevent larger system problems.
Clean Condenser Coils
It’s crucial that condenser coils are free of dirt and debris, so your HVAC system can release heat efficiently. When the condenser coils are covered in dirt or other particles, the HVAC system must work harder to effectively cool your home.
Inspect your outdoor HVAC unit’s coils and gently rub them clean if you notice buildup. You can generally clean the coils with a low-pressure garden hose to rinse off debris. Avoid using high pressure to prevent damage to the unit.
Clear Drain Lines or Pan
When your HVAC system runs, it cools your home while removing moisture from the air. This moisture drains through a condensate line and collects in a drain pan before exiting the system. It’s important to keep the condensate drain line and pan clear to prevent clogs, water damage, and mold or algae growth.
It’s a good idea to regularly check and clear your drain line to prevent moisture-related problems during the warmer months.
Inspect Ductwork for Cracks
Your ductwork helps cooled air reach the rooms in your home. If your ductwork has cracks or other damage, it can prevent air from moving efficiently throughout your home. Cooled air may escape the ducts before reaching living spaces, causing uneven cooling and increased energy costs.
During your spring HVAC check, look for visible gaps or damaged insulation around exposed ductwork in basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Getting small leaks sealed quickly improved efficiency and airflow for summer.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today
Following this spring HVAC checklist is a great place for homeowners to start preparing for summer. However, a professional inspection can highlight hidden issues that you might not catch.
Mercurio’s is Tacoma’s premier HVAC expert. Our skilled technicians will thoroughly inspect your unit for issues and make prompt repairs.
Give Mercurio’s a call at (360) 499-2980 or schedule online today for seasonal AC maintenance or AC repair.
