Your Spring AC Maintenance Checklist – What to Look for

It’s time for some spring cleaning. Time to deep clean the carpets and rugs. Clear out junk from your attic, basement, or garage. Wipe down the ceiling and wash the windows.

But what about your AC system?

There are many benefits to adding your AC system to your spring cleaning checklist. By doing some simple maintenance tasks, you’ll boost your system’s efficiency, which will help save on your monthly energy costs.

However, the greater benefit is to the longevity of your air conditioning. Keeping up with maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your AC system for as long as possible. By regularly servicing your AC, you’ll extend your system’s lifespan in the long term while improving the air quality inside your home in the short term.

Spring is the best time to perform these simple maintenance tasks, before your AC begins running at full capacity to keep you cool throughout the height of summer. This is key, because beside boosting performance, you may also catch smaller issues with your AC before they become larger, more expensive problems later.

Intense summer heat strains your system, which will exacerbate small problems quickly, and make the time waiting for repairs all the more uncomfortable. Here’s our complete checklist to make sure your system is ready for hot days of summer..

Spring AC Maintenance Guide

• Replace Your AC Filters: This is an easy task to do that will make an enormous difference. While you really should be replacing your filter every 90 days or so, if it’s slipped your mind, then there’s no time like the present. A new filter will not only improve your air quality and boost efficiency, but it’ll prevent your AC system from straining, thus reducing wear and tear, and avoiding damage.
• Clean Out Vents and Vent Covers: This is another simple way to make an impact on your home’s air quality and comfort. Over time, lint, dander, and other particulates will get caught as they flow through the air vents, building up and impeding air flow. To reduce blockage, remove your vent covers and clean them off using a brush or rag. You can also use a broom or brush to sweep out dust and lint from the air duct walls. Finally, make sure no furniture is blocking the vents, which can affect cooling throughout the room. If you’re experiencing an exceptional amount of dust or buildup, consider a professional duct cleaning.
• Test the Thermostat: First, ensure that it is on and working. Is the display dim or inconsistent? If so, you may need to replace the battery or check for loose wiring. Next,set your thermostat low, then walk around your home. Did your AC unit kick on? Is air flowing equally into each room? Does each room feel the same temperature? If not, you may need a professional to inspect your system. If you’re feeling like your thermostat isn’t accurate, a simple indoor thermometer (which can be bought at your local hardware store for somewhere between $10-20) can help see any discrepancies. If it’s off, then it’s time to call in help

NOTE: if your AC is in a difficult to reach spot­ — like your roof — consider having an HVAC tech perform these next checklist items.

• Check for Unusual Noises in the AC Unit: Put an ear to your AC unit while it’s running and listen for any rattling, squeaking, or creaking. A strange noise (or smell) coming from your AC unit could mean a loose or damaged part that needs repair or replacement by a professional.
• Clean and inspect the condenser unit: A dirty outdoor condenser unit can’t efficiently pull heat from your home, meaning it needs to work overtime. Much like changing the oil on your car, this is one of those things that you can do yourself but might want to have done by a professional for ease and safety. For the more handy, this cleaning can be done with a soft brush and hose (remember to brush and spray downward across the fins and slats, not in), but if you’re unsure, call in some ac maintenance help. While you’re out there checking the unit, cut away any vines, branches, or plants growing on or near the housing that may block the intake.
• Check the Evaporator Coil: Over time, the evaporator coil (located near the blower) may accumulate dirt, or start to grow mold due to the moisture, which will limit its effectiveness, shorten your AC’s lifespan, and affect your indoor air quality. If you do find dust or mold on your evaporator coil, we recommend calling a professional to clean it rather than attempting it yourself.
• Clean Out the Condensate Drain Line: The growth of algae or mold can block your condensate drain line. If the line becomes clogged and backs up, it can cause water damage or a system shutdown. If your condensate drain line is clogged or dirty, you can flush the line using either a vinegar solution or store-bought cleaner.

By going through this checklist, you’ll have your AC ready to keep you cool throughout the spring, summer, and into the fall. However, there are a few maintenance or repair issues, such as cleaning off your AC unit’s condenser coil or repairing bent fins, that we do recommend hiring a professional for..

Professional AC Maintenance Checklist

While scheduling an AC maintenance check with a professional costs more than DIY spring cleaning, you do get what you pay for, and that value can translate into greater savings down the line. Experienced HVAC professionals, such as the ones at Goettl, will be able to more thoroughly inspect and service your AC unit, ensuring top performance while maintaining safety.

Whether or not you use Goettl’s services, it’s helpful to know what to look for when having your AC serviced.  When you schedule an AC maintenance inspection with a professional, you should expect them to do the following:

While Your System is Operating

System-wide Inspection

Goettl’s always looking for how to go above and beyond when it comes to our customers, which is why we have such high standards for our air conditioning maintenance. If your air conditioning professional doesn’t follow these guidelines, they might be missing key components of your system’s health.

Keep your AC Healthy All Year Round

If your AC unit’s been running for a couple of years or needs a little more TLC than a simple spring cleaning can provide, we recommend scheduling Goettl’s all-inclusive Rejuuuvination® AC maintenance service. Our Rejuuuvination® AC maintenance service is a combination AC tune up and system overhaul that will have your air conditioning running at maximum performance.

For ongoing performance upkeep, we also offer our Smart Sadie membership program. Smart Sadie members can take advantage of AC monitoring with SmartAC sensors, using real-time data to update system health and ensure you’re always getting the maximum performance out of your air conditioning. Both you and Goettl will be alerted if your efficiency begins to drop, and we’ll be at the ready should anything need to be repaired.

So, this spring, go ahead and add your AC unit onto your spring cleaning checklist. You’ll boost your AC’s efficiency, and your household comfort, while staying worry free throughout the summer.