Updated 5/17/2024
Summers in Arizona can be brutal, with daily temperatures reaching triple digits. As many residents know, one of the worst experiences is having to endure the summer heat without any air conditioning. If you’ve ever had your air conditioning system breakdown in the middle of a heat wave, then you know how frustrating this can be. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Make sure your air conditioning is properly maintained so you can prevent unexpected breakdowns from occurring.
Proper Maintenance for Your A/C Matters
Fortunately, air conditioning maintenance is something that any homeowner can handle. The following are just a few suggestions that can help you keep your A/C properly maintained and keep you and your family out of the heat.
- Preventing unexpected breakdowns during the hottest months
- Extending the lifespan of your air conditioning system
- Maintaining optimal energy efficiency and keeping utility bills in check
- Ensuring healthy indoor air quality for you and your family
- Preserving manufacturer warranties and avoiding costly repairs
How to Maintain Your System Throughout the Year
The first major step in air conditioning maintenance is scheduling an annual service call with your local HVAC company. Not only does this help maintain most manufacturer warranties, but it also helps keep your A/C in top condition and detect problems before they occur.
Your Year-Round A/C Maintenance Checklist Keeping your air conditioner in top shape is a year-round job, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting one. By following this simple maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your A/C is always ready to keep you cool and comfortable:
Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Outside of scheduling annual maintenance service calls, there are a few simple tasks that every homeowner should perform throughout the year to ensure that their air conditioning system is properly maintained and prepared to handle the seasonal changes.
- Book a pre-summer tune-up with a trusted HVAC company
- Have a certified technician inspect, clean, and calibrate your system
- Address any potential issues before they turn into major problems
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
It is imperative you change your air filter. Air filters can become soiled with dirt, allergens, pollutants, and particles. A dirty air filter can prevent air from properly flowing and cause pressure changes that can damage the system. Even worse, a filter that is caked with residue affects the indoor air quality of your home. During seasons of high use we suggest that you change the air filter every month.
- Check your air filter monthly, especially during heavy-use seasons
- Replace dirty filters to maintain proper airflow and air quality
- Opt for high-quality filters to trap allergens, pollutants, and particles
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear
Once you’ve tackled the air filter, it’s time to address the outside unit. You’re outside air conditioning unit is an important part of the cooling process within the system. Not only does heat dissipate from this unit, but refrigerant condenses on the coil to help cool the air before it travels inside your home. If dirt or debris accumulates on this outside unit, it will affect the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system.
- Remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, from around your outdoor unit
- Trim back vegetation to allow for proper airflow and heat dissipation
- Gently clean the condenser coils to remove dirt and grime
How to Maintain Your System Throughout the Summer
The most important step in preparing your air conditioner for the summer heat, is to perform regular maintenance in the spring. You should always schedule an air conditioning maintenance call, or tune-up, in the springtime to ensure that your system is prepared to run all summer long. Not only does this help extend the lifespan of your system, it can improve the performance and energy efficiency, all while avoiding costly breakdowns.
- Schedule your annual professional tune-up in the springtime
- Inspect your ductwork for leaks, gaps, or signs of wear and tear
- Test your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control
- Clean or replace your return air grilles and supply vents
- Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for optimal efficiency
Call the Experts
For all of your air conditioning needs, call ACE Home Services – your local HVAC specialists – at (602) 428-3341 or click here to schedule a service call. Our certified and experienced technicians can provide superior tuneups and help ensure that your air conditioning system is properly maintained.
