With spring in full blast and summer just around the corner in Beckley, WV, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the heat. Right now is the time to schedule maintenance and get your cooling system prepped, tuned, and cleaned so you can relax in the cool air as the sun scorches the outdoors. Regular maintenance is the only way to guarantee your AC makes it through the summer reliably, efficiently, and safely. Schedule the service every spring and get through summer with a lower risk of problems.
Steps Involved in Spring AC Maintenance
Professional AC maintenance is a highly intensive service that includes checking, tuning, and adjusting all parts of your cooling system. Our technicians are diligent in annual maintenance and leave no stone unturned or detail unchecked to ensure the best health of your system. Here are the specialized tasks we complete when performing maintenance on your air conditioning system.
Clear and Clean Outside Unit
This first step is a simple one and can be performed by the homeowner or our technicians. Clear all tree branches, leaves, and other debris from the top and sides of the outdoor condenser unit. Gently spray your garden hose to wash away dirt that has built up over the past several months, but be sure not to spray the water directly into the unit from the top. It’s also important to clear an opening around the unit, making sure shrubs, bushes, and other items are at least two to three feet away.
Clean and Inspect Coils
We go into the condenser unit of your cooling system and inspect the evaporator and condenser coils. We look for signs of damage or malfunction that could render your AC useless this summer. We clean these coils, removing dirt and dust to prevent stress and wear on the unit.
Inspect Parts and Components
All the different parts of your system, big and small, have a role to play when cooling your home. We carefully inspect all of them to rule out issues. We check belts for cracks and stretching, motors for proper movement and operation, and ensure all nuts and bolts are secure. This part of maintenance allows us to determine if repairs are needed in the near future to keep your system running all summer.
Inspect Wiring and Connections
Electrical wiring inside your system is responsible for bringing power to your air conditioner. We inspect all the wires, looking for signs of damage. We also make sure the wiring is securely connected to prevent malfunctions and hazards.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Some parts of the system move during operation and rub against other components. This movement creates friction that can damage the parts. We lubricate these moving parts to lessen the abrasion and keep parts in better shape.
Check Refrigerant System
Refrigerant is necessary for your air conditioner to create cold air. We look at the refrigerant lines, checking for leaks, cracks, or other damage. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous, and exposure can severely affect the environment and personal health. We also check the refrigerant level and refill as needed so you have enough for the entire summer and beyond.
An empty refrigerant reservoir is often indicative of leaks somewhere in the system. If we find your AC completely empty of refrigerant, we intensively look for leaks before filling the refrigerant back up and turning your system on.
Test Safety Controls
Most HVAC systems have some type of safety controls that limit or stop function when malfunctions are detected. If your system fails these safety checks, it is unsafe to operate the air conditioner until repairs are made. If your system is allowed to operate under faulty conditions, you could wreak havoc on the air conditioner and it might pose a risk to your home and your personal safety.
Test Airflow
Once we’ve got everything cleaned, tuned, and inspected, we fire up the AC and check the airflow. We look for cold air that is even and sufficient to cool your house. Airflow issues can be attributed to a faulty system or issues in the ductwork. If our air conditioning services experts find issues with airflow, we’ll investigate further so you can schedule the proper services to fix it.
Check For Loud Noises
Loud banging, clanging, popping, whistling, or crackling noises are red-flag issues. Your AC should not make these noises, and they signal a malfunction somewhere in the system. We’ll look into the sounds and make sure repairs are made before the air conditioner is turned on again.
Sniff Out Strange Odors
Air conditioners are odorless. Any smell coming from your system or vents during operation is cause for concern and should be diagnosed before you can safely use the air conditioner.
Calibrate Thermostat
Your thermostat must read the temperature of your home accurately in order to control your air conditioner. We check this accuracy and calibrate the device as needed. We may also check the placement of your thermostat, especially if you’re having issues with sufficiency and efficiency. The thermostat should be located on an interior wall as close to the center of the house as possible on the main floor. It should be away from vents, heat-producing appliances, exterior doors, and windows. These things can all affect the readings of the thermostat and cause you to have less control over comfort.
Benefits of Spring AC Maintenance
Spring maintenance is a critical service that provides benefits for comfort and cost savings.
Reliability
Cleaning and tuning your system keeps the components in better overall condition to prevent breakdowns and failures. During inspection, we also identify issues that could soon cause a breakdown and ask you to schedule repairs before you are left without adequate cooling.
Efficiency
Better health of the components of your system means less stress and struggle. This translates into more efficient operation, which saves you money on your utility bill over the summer.
Longevity
Your air conditioner will probably survive ten or so summers under ideal conditions. If you skip maintenance, the internal components may wear out much faster, and you’ll face breakdowns more often. Over time, the cost of repairs may become too much and make replacement the most feasible option.
Schedule AC Maintenance Today
At Childers Air Plumbing & Electric, we make your comfort our business. We are dedicated to providing skilled heating and cooling services that allow you to enjoy your home without breaking the bank. Our technicians are all carefully chosen and extensively trained to know all the ins and outs of home comfort systems. In addition to spring AC maintenance, we also offer maintenance services for your heating system. In addition, you can count on us for expert HVAC repairs and installations, making us your top choice for all your home comfort needs. Ask about our Home Protection Plan to save money and take the hassle out of remembering to schedule your HVAC tune-ups!
Beat the heat of summer and get ahead of the season by preparing your air conditioner early this spring. Call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today to schedule premier air conditioner maintenance services with the best HVAC technicians in Beckley.
