Savvy homeowners know that regular maintenance is much easier on the wallet than emergency repairs. When you schedule a routine maintenance appointment, though, it’s helpful to have an idea of what the professional A/C maintenance checklist should include. This way, you can check off your own list as the contractor moves through his, and make sure that you understand the status of every portion of your HVAC system. Be sure to have a licensed contractor do the work, as their work is regulated by the state, and you can take any complaints of dissatisfaction to that level.
- All electrical connections should be inspected and tightened if loose. The voltage and current on each motor should be measured, to make sure the motor is functioning properly. Anything out of line should be corrected.
- The set point of your thermostat should be double-checked to make sure it will keep the temperature comfortable while you are at home, but also will help save energy while you are away from home.
- All moving parts should be lubricated and cycled completely. Any parts that lack lubricant will reduce efficiency, and drive up your energy bills.
- The condensate drain from your air conditioner should be inspected to make sure there is no backup or clogging during operation. The drain removes the water pulled from the humid air by your air conditioner, and if clogged, will reduce the comfort level of your Baltimore area home significantly. High humidity levels will also cause the system to use more energy, and may also decrease the lifespan of your equipment.
- The controls for each appliance in your HVAC system should be inspected to make sure each device is functioning as intended. This includes checking the start-up sequence, full-scale run mode, and the shut-down parameters to make sure that from start to finish the appliance will operate properly. Make sure your contractor has a complete run cycle on the professional A/C maintenance checklist; otherwise ask that it be added to make sure you have a complete inspection during the appointment.
- The evaporator and condenser coils should be thoroughly cleaned. Any dirt or dust in the coils will cause the air conditioning unit to run longer to achieve the same set temperature, which will require more energy. In addition to the costs added to your utility bill each month, your equipment will have a shorter lifespan since the cycle times need to be longer for the same amount of cooling capacity.
- The level of refrigerant in your air conditioner should be inspected and adjusted if necessary. Refrigerant makes your A/C work for you, but too much of it can cause issues, significantly reducing the lifespan of certain parts of the air conditioning unit as well as reducing comfort in your home. Likewise, low refrigerant levels will require more energy consumption to create the same level of cooling as compared to proper levels. This can lead to longer cycle times for the condenser pump, as well as a shorter lifespan for the equipment as well. If the refrigerant is low, the technician should check for a leak.
- The blower components should be cleaned and inspected for any required adjustments. A properly cleaned and adjusted system can produce airflow up to 15 percent more efficiently than when it was dirty. While this may seem like one of the more simple steps, it can easily be the most effective, so be sure your professional A/C maintenance checklist includes the blower components.
Along with these steps in a professional A/C maintenance checklist, there is another step that you can take yourself to ensure efficient HVAC operation. Your air filter should be inspected at least monthly, and when necessary cleaned or replaced. Your licensed HVAC contractor can lead you through the process of selecting, replacing or cleaning the filter.
If you are looking to schedule professional air conditioning maintenance and repair in the Baltimore area, or to schedule an appointment with a certified technician, contact the professionals at Griffith Energy Services, Inc. We are proud to have over 100 years of service in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Written by Kevin Spain
