When the summer heat hits full force, your air conditioning system becomes essential to keeping your home comfortable and livable. But to ensure your AC performs at its best throughout the hottest months, regular maintenance is crucial.
Neglecting seasonal upkeep can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even costly emergency repairs that leave you sweating in the heat. This AC maintenance guide will help you understand the key steps to keep your system running smoothly all summer long.
The Importance of Seasonal Tune-Ups
One of the most valuable investments you can make in your AC system is scheduling a professional seasonal tune-up—ideally in the spring before temperatures rise or early summer once you start relying on your system regularly. A tune-up typically includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels and pressures
- Inspecting electrical connections and components
- Testing thermostat accuracy and operation
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce wear
- Examining ductwork for leaks or blockages
- Cleaning and inspecting coils
These routine checks allow technicians to identify minor issues before they escalate into expensive breakdowns. For example, a small refrigerant leak caught early can be fixed easily, while an undetected leak could damage your compressor, leading to costly replacement.
Regular tune-ups also ensure your system operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption and helping you save on monthly utility bills. According to industry studies, well-maintained AC units use up significantly less energy than neglected systems.
Filter Changes: A Simple Yet Vital Step
Changing or cleaning your air filters is one of the easiest ways to maintain your AC’s performance—and it has a big impact. Filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles to improve your indoor air quality and protect your system’s internal components.
Over time, filters become clogged, restricting airflow and forcing your AC to work harder to cool your home. This strain increases energy use and can cause parts to wear out faster. Ideally, you should check your filters monthly during the cooling season and replace them every 1 to 3 months, depending on your home’s environment and filter type.
Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers may need to replace filters more frequently to maintain optimal airflow and air quality.
Coil Cleaning for Efficient Cooling
Your AC’s evaporator and condenser coils play a critical role in heat exchange—absorbing heat inside your home and releasing it outdoors. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to transfer heat effectively, resulting in poor cooling and increased energy consumption.
Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on coils, acting as insulation that blocks airflow and reduces efficiency. During a professional tune-up, technicians clean these coils carefully to restore their heat transfer capabilities.
Keeping coils clean also prevents the system from overworking, which can reduce wear and prolong the life of your equipment.
Prevent Costly Emergencies and Extend Equipment Life
By investing in scheduled maintenance, you minimize the risk of emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of your AC system. A well-maintained unit can last up to 15 years, while a neglected system may need premature replacement.
Your comfort is our business! Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon, so contact our team today to schedule your appointment.