As the weather becomes warmer, call a professional to have your HVAC system tuned up. This service will not only make your unit run more efficiently—lowering energy costs and helping extend its life span—but can also help improve the indoor air quality inside your home. The guide below explains some of the specific tasks performed during spring maintenance.

What Does an AC Tuneup Entail?

1. Checking the Refrigerant

After warm air is absorbed into your HVAC unit, the refrigerant helps to cool it down. Typically, older units use a kind called R-22. Newer models use R-401A, which has less of an impact on the environment, prompting some homeowners to upgrade. Regardless of what model you have, your system may develop a leak after several years of repeated use, which can cause it to run less efficiently, make a hissing or bubbling noise, or even blow out warm air instead of cool. Therefore, your HVAC technician will inspect all related parts and refresh your refrigerant as necessary.

2. Adjusting Your Thermostat

HVAC professionals will also be able to give you a sense of the proper temperature to keep throughout your home to save money. If you are interested, they can also install a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day, so you aren’t running the air conditioner unnecessarily while at work or while your kids are in school.

3. Cleaning Your Outdoor Unit

Your air conditioner has both indoor and outdoor components. Therefore, if the external portion is surrounded by debris, such as leaves, branches, or twigs, it won’t run as well. In addition to clearing out this area, your technician will then inspect the unit to make sure it has not suffered any damage due to the elements.

4. Checking the Filter

Your HVAC unit contains a filter, which is meant to remove dust particles and allergens from the air that passes through it. However, this is often a large undertaking, which results in the filter getting clogged every 90 or so days—more often if you live in a house with pets or smokers. A professional will look at the filter and replace it as needed, so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard to cool your house and so the air quality won’t suffer.

When you need an HVAC professional to perform a spring tuneup on your system, call Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, in Lincoln, NE. The company, which boasts over 20 years of experience, is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to all clients with the highest level of professionalism. To learn more about their 17 point AC tuneup checklist, visit their website. Call (402) 430-3959 to schedule service.