What is Included in Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Spring is a time to freshen up, do some extra cleaning, and get ready for the warmer weather of summer in Anaheim, CA. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to schedule air conditioner maintenance early in the spring to ensure your system is ready to meet your cooling needs when the heat sets in. We’ve compiled a list here of all the steps we take when performing your system’s professional maintenance as well as the benefits this service provides to help you better understand the importance of scheduling.

Comprehensive Steps Involved in Spring Maintenance

Our team takes a diligent approach to providing comprehensive, in-depth maintenance for your air conditioner. Through a series of expert tasks, we make sure your cooling system is functioning and ready for the extremes of summer.

Clear and Clean Outside Unit

The outdoor condenser unit of your air conditioning systems sits exposed to the elements year-round. It’s important to lightly spray the unit with a hose to remove dust and dirt. Remove any limbs or other debris from the top of the unit. There should be a clearance of 2 to 3 feet around the unit to avoid overheating or other issues. These simple tasks can be done before we arrive, but our technicians are happy to do it if needed.

Clean Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils are located inside your condenser unit. We carefully clean these coils to remove dust and dirt that builds up inside the unit throughout the year, which can cause stress and other damage to the system. It’s important to leave this cleaning to us to prevent damage or injury. We also inspect the coils while cleaning, making sure they are intact and not damaged.

Secure and Inspect Electrical Connections

We inspect the wiring that connects your air conditioner to the power grid in your home. We make sure all wires are securely in place to prevent electrical malfunctions and hazards. We also check that the wiring is not frayed or otherwise damaged.

Inspect Refrigerant Lines and Check for Leaks

Our technicians inspect refrigerant lines to ensure they are not damaged or leaking. Refrigerant leaks are hazardous to the environment and can be detrimental to your health and safety. If no leaks are found, we then check your refrigerant level and top it off as needed to ensure proper cooling.

Inspect and Clear Condensate Drain Lines

The condensate drain lines carry water that forms from condensation away from your system. Letting water drip into the air conditioner creates a hazard for the electrical components. Our technicians make sure the drain lines are securely attached and free from damage or leaks. We also flush the lines to make sure there are no blockages.

Visual Inspection

Aside from those already mentioned, our technicians visually inspect particular parts inside the cooling system. We check belts for stretching and cracks. We check the motor to ensure it’s operating properly. We may also look at bearings, hardware, and other parts to assess for wear and tear. Any part that is worn or damaged requires replacement in order for your AC to operate optimally.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Some parts inside your cooling system move around and may rub against others. We lubricate these parts to make the movement less damaging and prevent excessive wear and tear. Without lubrication, the friction of movement can wear these parts out quickly, leading to breakdowns and failures.

Test Safety Controls

Most air conditioners have mechanisms and controls that safeguard the system in the event of a malfunction. These safety controls stop the air conditioner from running when a particular issue is sensed. This helps protect the system from destructive damage and protects you and your home as well. If any safety controls are found to not be working as they should, your air conditioner should remain off until repairs are made.

Test Airflow

After we’ve finished with the internal workings of your air conditioner and are satisfied that the system is safe and ready for use, we turn it on for a test cycle. We want to make sure you are getting cold air from the vents. We also check that the air is sufficient to bring the house to the desired temperature and that air is coming from the vents evenly. If you aren’t getting cold air, there could be a problem with the blower, refrigerant system, or another part of the air conditioner. If you are getting uneven or insufficient airflow, the problem may lie in the air conditioner or the air ducts. Our technicians will investigate if a problem with airflow arises.

Abnormal Sounds and Smells

You can hear the fan on the air conditioner as it blows air and may hear a slight mechanical noise from the condenser unit as it works. However, loud banging, clanging, or popping noises are not normal and should be cause for alarm. If your air conditioner makes strange sounds during our test run, we’ll investigate the problem and schedule repairs.

Air conditioners should never have a smell. If we detect strange odors from the units themselves or from the vents while the AC is running, we will shut the system down and find the source of the smell. Repairs should be made before your system is ready for summer.

Thermostat Adjustment

Your thermostat controls the climate in your home by sending signals to the air conditioner. We first check that your air conditioner responds when changes are made to the thermostat. We also check the thermostat for accuracy. We measure the temperature in the area near the thermostat and make sure the device displays the same number. If not, we can calibrate the thermostat.

It’s crucial that your thermostat is located as close to the center of the house as possible. If you have multiple levels, the thermostat should be on the main floor. Avoid placing the thermostat in the kitchen, as this room often heats up more than other rooms due to cooking. It’s also important to keep the device away from windows, doors, and heat-producing appliances that can cause erroneous temperature readings. If we find that your thermostat may be in a less-than-ideal place, we can move it to a better location.

Schedule Maintenance With Our Experts This Spring

At Associated Heating & Air, we know how extremely important regular maintenance is to keep your air conditioner healthy, reliable, and efficient. Our diligent and trusted HVAC technicians provide in-depth maintenance so that we don’t miss a single detail during your annual service. Additionally, we are here for you when you need heating and cooling repairs and installations as well. Let us be your one-stop shop for all things heating and cooling in Anaheim, and we’ll make sure you get the same great quality of service we would expect in our own homes.

Call Associated Heating & Air today to schedule the most trusted AC maintenance in Anaheim so that your air conditioner is ready for the heat of summer.