If you live in Ohio, you already know to expect heat and humidity in the summer. You won’t want to be without air conditioning when they arrive, so it’s wise to prepare your AC early in the spring. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Spring Maintenance Matters
When you turn on your air conditioner for the first time each summer, you’re subjecting it to stresses it hasn’t faced in months. This can cause minor problems to worsen quickly, leading to a breakdown.
It can also make the consequences of poor maintenance habits evident. Weak airflow, reduced cool air production, and high energy consumption are a few common symptoms.
To keep your AC running at peak efficiency and output all summer long, spring is the time to get a jump on AC maintenance and address any lingering AC problems. Then, you can sit back and enjoy your home in comfort all summer long.
Begin With Basic Upkeep
There are a handful of maintenance tasks that you, as a homeowner, can perform for your AC:
Change Your Air Filter
Stay on top of air filter changes. Most central air conditioners require a new air filter every 90 days. If your home’s AC shares an air handler with your furnace, you need to consider its use as well.
As a result, there’s a good chance your AC will need a new air filter before the start of each cooling season. If you’re purchasing new air filters, be sure to choose replacements that match your existing filter precisely.
They must have the same dimensions, thickness, and minimum efficiency rating (MERV). Otherwise, your new filters may not fit or may reduce airflow through your cooling system.
Clean Around Your Outdoor AC Unit
Take some time to tend to your AC’s outdoor condenser unit. Begin by clearing away any debris or detritus that’s accumulated around it.
Your AC’s outdoor unit needs at least 2 feet of unobstructed space on all sides. That provides sufficient air volume for efficient heat transfer.
If anything is in the way, your AC will struggle to remove heat from your home. It will also use more electricity to do the job.
You also need to take a moment to peer down through the top of the outdoor unit. If you see any twigs or debris inside, make a note of it. While you can’t remove it yourself, it’s something your AC technician may need to address on their next visit.
Keep Vents Clean & Unobstructed
You should check all the vents and return air grilles in your home to make sure they’re open and unobstructed. That ensures proper airflow throughout your home when your AC runs.
This directly impacts your comfort by helping evenly distribute cool air. It also helps keep indoor humidity uniform, which makes a big difference during the sultry Ohio summer months.
If necessary, you can remove vents and grilles for cleaning to maintain good air quality in your home. That also helps keep more dirt out of your ducts, reducing the need for more frequent AC filter changes.
Check the Thermostat
After you finish dealing with your AC itself, take a moment to check your home’s thermostat. If it’s battery-powered, consider installing fresh batteries. If it has a user-resettable filter change reminder, reset it after installing a new filter.
You should also switch your thermostat to cooling mode. Then, check that your AC turns on in response to changes in the temperature setting.
What to Expect for a Professional AC Tune-Up
Your AC requires an annual maintenance visit from a professional HVAC technician to ensure optimal performance. Early spring is the perfect time to schedule it. By avoiding the busier summer season, you can schedule an appointment at your leisure.
When the technician arrives at the appointed time, they’ll begin with a complete AC inspection. They’ll look for any signs of malfunction or unusual wear.
If they spot a problem, they’ll let you know and discuss AC repair options. Tackling minor issues early prevents more costly repairs later.
Assuming the inspection doesn’t uncover a problem, the technician will perform an AC tune-up. The first step in the process is a thorough cleaning of all your AC’s major components. This includes its blower fan, evaporator, and condenser coil.
Next, the technician will lubricate moving parts and tighten electrical connections. If necessary, they’ll also recalibrate your thermostat to ensure it reads the air temperature accurately.
All those things support maximal AC energy efficiency and performance while minimizing unnecessary wear.
Choose Our Local Experts
Comfort Control is the local leader in air conditioner maintenance services in Ashland, OH. We’ve been delivering expert AC care since 1980. We service all makes and models of cooling systems, including ductless mini-splits.
Every member of our HVAC technician team holds NATE certification, so they’re among the most skilled in the industry. We’re also Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating for your peace of mind.
We offer Comfort Club membership plans to make meeting your HVAC maintenance needs convenient and cost-effective. The plans offer varied levels of service, but all include at least one annual HVAC maintenance visit.
Contact Comfort Control to schedule your annual AC tune-up in Ashland today!
