When your air conditioning system operates efficiently, you’ll consume less energy, save money, and stay comfortable when temperatures start to rise. However, to ensure this is the case, you must take care of your unit when tackling spring cleaning. With the help of a qualified air conditioning contractor and a bit of preventative maintenance, your AC will keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.

How to Tune Up Your Air Conditioner This Spring

1. Change the Filter

Although many air conditioning contractors and home inspectors advise homeowners to change HVAC filters at the start of every season, you should inspect yours monthly for dirt and dampness. For example, you may need to change the filter more often if you have pets or if your system is on for six or more months during the year. Additionally, not all filters are compatible with every home heating and air conditioning system, so consult the manufacturer, your owner’s manual, or a service contractor about which ones you should buy and how to install them.

2. Remove Exterior Debris

When you’re cleaning the grounds for the season, also eliminate debris around your outdoor unit and trim back shrubs or overhanging tree branches. However, never remove the grill to vacuum leaves from inside the unit or clean the condenser fins without first shutting off the electricity. If this maintenance chore is beyond your expertise, ask an air conditioning contractor to clean the unit for you during an annual or biannual maintenance check.

3. Vacuum Vent Screens & Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Next, clean dirt and dust from your indoor exhaust fans and cooling vents with a vacuum brush attachment. Remove the covers and wash them with soap and water if they’re particularly soiled. Also, if the blades of your bathroom exhaust fan are dusty, turn off the power at the breaker box and use a vacuum or small scrub brush to get them clean.

4. Schedule Service Before the Summer

During your annual spring inspection, an air conditioning contractor will assess the condition of your system to heed off any problems that may result in cooling failures and expensive repairs. They’ll also evaluate the cleanliness and quality of your electrical connections, coils, and components, and the operation of the compressor and fan motor. Finally, in addition to inspecting the refrigerant level and replacing it if it’s low, they’ll check for water, air, and refrigerant leaks, and replace cracked hoses, reseal leaky ducts or valves, and repair drain pipe blockages.

If your system isn’t working the way it should, contact the air conditioning contractors at Preece Heating & Cooling in Erie, PA. They deliver reliable and cost-effective heating and cooling services to residential and commercial clients across Erie County, providing tune-ups, installations, maintenance, replacements, and repairs. Visit them online to learn more about their HVAC maintenance services, or call (814) 704-4202 to make an appointment.