For many people, the arrival of spring means it’s time to start their annual spring cleaning spree. When you’re in the midst of your spring cleaning frenzy, one thing that’s easy to overlook is your home’s air conditioner. Cooling systems need some extra care and attention throughout the year, specifically during the spring and fall, to stay in optimal condition.
Every spring, it’s smart to call your heating and cooling specialist to set up an appointment for a spring inspection. When the first hot day of the year comes around, the last thing you want to discover is that your air conditioner isn’t working. By having your system inspected during the spring, you’ll be taking steps to avoid that headache. Even if your air conditioner was working perfectly fine last summer, there’s the chance that something may have come up during the off-season.
During a spring inspection, the specialist who comes out to your home will check your entire heating and cooling system to make sure all of its electrical components and connections are secure, and that there are no signs of rust and corrosion. They’ll also look for problems like improperly sealed ducts, signs that the equipment has been overheating, or that moisture has gotten into the equipment.
When the inspector gets to your air conditioner, they’ll clean the evaporator and condenser coils, make sure it has the proper level of refrigerant, that its condensate line is clear. They should also check your air conditioner’s blower to make sure it’s clean and adjusted properly. All of these things will help make sure your cooling system will be operating as efficiently as possible all summer long. When these sorts of problems aren’t dealt with, it means your air conditioner will have to work harder to do its job, which will drive up your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Getting your air conditioner ready for spring also includes another very simple step: changing the air filters. Changing your filters on a regular basis helps to trap dust and other allergens in your air. A dirty air filter can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder, putting a strain on your blower motor. Air filters should be changed about every 90 days and if you’re due to have your filter changed around the time of the inspection anyway, the inspector might just go ahead and do that for you. But changing air filters isn’t the sort of thing you need to hire a professional to do for you.
We know -- it’s never fun to have to pay someone to come out to your home for any kind of repair or maintenance job. But making sure you always schedule a spring tune-up for your air conditioner can save you money on the long run by helping to cut down on utility bills and preventing the need for more expensive repairs later on.
