Air Conditioner Safety and Maintenance Tips

Posted June 15, 2018

In Air Conditioning, Ductless, Info, Tips

Use this checklist for maintenance you can do yourself and the safety check and tune-up that should be done by your local HVAC professional. Basic maintenance should be done once a year.

DIY Tips:

Condensing Unit

This is the unit that sits outside your home and draws in the air to cool and circulate inside. Make sure you do not plant bushes, plants, or trees any closer than a few feet as they may cause restrictions on air flow resulting in problems with how your home is air conditioned and potentially increased utility bills.

First remove your AC protective cover. Then clear any debris from around your outside unit. Leaves, weeds, and other yard debris can blow and pile up next to your condenser. Smaller pieces can get sucked inside causing a buildup and significantly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Spring Start-Up

Turn your system on and let it run a bit. Make note of any problems or issues you will want to discuss with your HVAC professional when they are performing your annual system tune-up.

Air Filters

Dirty filters will reduce your air conditioning systems’s efficiency. Clogged air filters can also cause your evaporator to ice over. Remember to change your filters every 3-6 months.

Covers and Vents

If you need to turn on your air conditioning prior to your annual service check and cleaning, remember to remove the cover from the outside unit and clean and check any vents to make sure they are clear.

Annual System Safety Check and Cleaning

Annual service of your air conditioner is vital to maintaining peak efficiency (which reduces your cooling costs) as well as avoiding breakdowns and high-cost repairs during the hottest days of summer.

You should schedule a professional tune-up once a year before the weather turns hot. A typical maintenance check-up should including the following: