The summer is finally over, and cooler weather is upon us. Soon, the temperature will drop enough to turn on the heating side of the heating and air conditioning systems in our homes and businesses to keep us warm. The systems have run almost non-stop this summer, and should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned to help prevent common problems that arise in the colder months.
We are often asked by our customers about what things they can do to keep their heating and cooling system maintained between visits by our professional service technicians. The most important maintenance item (and also the easiest to forget) is changing filters on a regular basis. Any type of filter should be checked at least once a month, and should be changed as soon as the filter starts to lose its original coloration or debris has begun to collect on the filter. If anyone in the home is sensitive to allergens, the air filter may need to be changed more often, or a whole-house air purification system may need to be installed into the heating and air conditioning system. Another important homeowner maintenance item is the condensate drain line. Every month as the filter is checked, the condensate drain line access should be opened and two cups of white vinegar should be slowly funneled into the drain line to help remove algae growth from the drain and prevent a clog. A final item to check for is the thermostat’s batteries. If the batteries fail and begin to corrode, it may not be immediately apparent as batteries are often only a secondary source of power for thermostats. When failed batteries remain in a thermostat for an extended period of time, they begin to corrode, eventually shorting out the entire thermostat. So, do-it-yourself maintenance of an air conditioning system should include monthly filter checks, condensate drain line treatment, and annual thermostat battery replacement. These items will help ensure that common problems do not cause a service call, however, it is very important to have a professional service technician from a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor service the system at least twice a year, as a small problem can easily turn into a bigger one if not caught and corrected on time, and a clean, fully-functioning heating and air conditioning system will use less power and can save on the monthly energy bill. Over the summer months, the high humidity can cause algae growth in the system’s condensate drain line and cause it to clog up, causing an overflow of water into the home or garage in which it is installed; a condenser coil can become stopped up with dirt, restricting airflow; extreme heat can cause an electrical component to fail due to constant use. These are just a few examples of small problems that we can repair before they turn into bigger issues and cost you more money on your energy bill. A professional service technician has the tools and knowledge to properly clean system coils, check refrigerant pressures, electrical components, and efficiency of operation. Give us a call today, and ask one of our team members about our annual maintenance plan!