Summers in Denver can be brutally hot, and nothing is worse than having your air conditioning system break down during the peak heat of the season. Proper air conditioning maintenance is critical to keep your system running efficiently. As you begin creating your list of spring chores to do around the house, make sure to include air conditioning maintenance, as taking care of your HVAC system is critical to ensure optimal performance and maximize the life of your system.
While some air conditioning maintenance tasks must be performed by an experienced HVAC professional, there are some tasks that you can take care of on your own. The following guide will help you understand the important actions that should be performed to ensure you enjoy a cool, comfortable summer.
Why Spring Maintenance?
After being inactive throughout the fall and winter, air conditioning units can accumulate dust and debris that compromises their functionality. Spring maintenance sets the stage for an efficient and trouble-free summer season. It’s a proactive step that can preempt sudden breakdowns, providing peace of mind as temperatures rise.
Ensuring that air conditioning units are properly maintained not only enhances their performance, but also prolongs their lifespan. Regular maintenance can help prevent major malfunctions and costly repairs down the line. By addressing minor issues promptly, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable indoor environment throughout the summer months.
The Importance of Scheduling Maintenance Early
Spring is the ideal time for air conditioning maintenance. It’s before the summer rush, when our HVAC professionals are typically overbooked with air conditioning repair requests that often result in a longer wait time for scheduled maintenance and greater difficulty securing a timely emergency repair. Scheduling early allows for comprehensive maintenance and any necessary repairs to be completed with minimal hassle.
Important Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks to Complete
Here is a detailed checklist to help ensure your air conditioning unit is working properly when the scorching summer heat arrives:
- Check and Change Air Filters – Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency. Check your filters every month and change them at least every 90 days for disposable filters. For electrostatic or electronic filters, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
- Clean the Condenser Coils – Outdoor condenser coils can become dirty over time, which affects their ability to dissipate heat. Clean the area around the coil, remove debris, and gently hose down the fins to remove built-up dirt and dust.
- Inspect the Refrigerant Level – Low refrigerant levels can be a symptom of a larger, more costly problem, and it can reduce the efficiency of the system. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact our HVAC professionals to evaluate and repair the issue right away.
- Assess the Ductwork – Leaky or uninsulated ducts can significantly diminish the performance of your air conditioning system. Look for joints that should be sealed with mastic or metal tape and insulation that should be added to improve the efficiency of the system.
- Test the Thermostat – Ensure that your thermostat is working correctly and keeping your home at the right temperature. Replace the batteries if it’s powered that way. For older, manual thermostats, consider an upgrade to a programmable model for better energy efficiency.
- Ensure Proper Drainage – Dirty drain pans and clogged drains can cause water leaks and affect indoor humidity levels. Check the drainage system by pouring a gallon of water into the condensate pan to confirm that it is draining properly.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
While you can perform some of these tasks yourself, such as changing air filters, many of the maintenance tasks listed above require the expertise of an HVAC professional. Professional maintenance not only ensures the job is done right, but also addresses issues that might be missed during a DIY inspection.
At Major Heating and Air Conditioning, our technicians are equipped to handle complex maintenance issues like refrigerant problems, electrical issues, and component repairs. They can also ensure safety in handling repairs and have the necessary tools to complete thorough cleaning and maintenance procedures, which often require specialized equipment not readily available to homeowners.
Long-Term Benefits of Regular Maintenance
A well-maintained air conditioning system will provide several important benefits, including:
- Reduced Energy Bills – Regular maintenance ensures your system operates at peak efficiency, which can significantly lower your energy bills. A properly functioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
- Prolonged Lifespan of the AC Unit – Addressing small problems early can prevent them from turning into major air conditioning repairs that could shorten the system’s lifespan. By keeping up on all regular maintenance tasks, you can extend the time before replacing your air conditioning system is necessary.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality – Cleaning or replacing your air filters and keeping the components of your air conditioning system free of dirt and debris means cleaner air circulating throughout your home. This is especially important to prevent health issues for individuals with allergies.
The Importance of a Timely Appointment
While it may seem like summer is still a few months away, the hot weather will arrive before you know it. Therefore, now is the time to take care of any important air conditioning maintenance tasks. There are several important reasons why you should schedule your spring AC maintenance appointment with our team as soon as possible:
- Availability of technicians
- Beat the heat
- Save money
Our HVAC technicians are more likely to be available for a timely visit when you book early. Waiting until the last minute may result in longer wait times.
In addition, scheduling your maintenance appointment now ensures your AC unit is ready to keep you cool as soon as the warm weather arrives, avoiding the need to wait in discomfort for repairs or service. Addressing any issues early can also save you money in the long run by preventing larger, more expensive repairs or system replacements.
Major Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help
If you need to take care of important spring air conditioning maintenance to get your system ready for summer, Major Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We’ve been the go-to HVAC contractor in the Denver area since 1970, and our team possesses the experience necessary to do the job correctly.
Our team can assist with any residential or commercial air conditioning repair and maintenance issues you may have. All our specialists are NATE-certified, and our team is available 24 hours a day in the event that you need emergency assistance. This ensures your air conditioning system will run smoothly all summer long and in the event of a breakdown, your system will be back up and running as soon as possible.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Major Heating and Air Conditioning serves customers in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
