During the all-too-brief lull between the chill of late winter and the heat of summer, spring offers a little bit of a rest.
You might find that you can spend a few weeks with the heat off, the windows open and your home full of fresh air.
That doesn’t mean your heating and cooling system is off the hook. You might still encounter these springtime HVAC problems, which will need to be addressed if you want your air conditioning to function this summer.
1. Dirty air conditioner coils
It’s easy for these coils – both internal and external – to become dirty. The evaporator coils inside the air conditioner can collect dirt and dust as the air from your home moves past.
And the outdoor condenser coils can collect dust and dirt during the winter. It’s possible to rinse these coils off, although they’ll often need a more serious scrubbing with a coil cleaner and a brush. You may want to leave this task to a professional AC company when you have maintenance performed.
2. Wear and tear on your refrigerant lines
The outdoor lines that transmit refrigerant through your AC system can develop leaks over time. And the insulation covering the cool line can become worn. You should have these lines inspected each year to make sure they’re in decent shape, which will ensure proper cooling.
3. A clog in the condensate drain
As your AC system pulls in air, this air passes the evaporator coils. Moisture from the air condenses on the coils, then drains through the condensate pan and drain. But like all drains, this one can become clogged and sludgy.
You can tell if you have a clogged condensate drain when you see pools of water under the unit or hear water dripping inside. Rinse the pan with bleach and remove the clog to restore order. Again, a professional AC company can advise you on the best way to do this.
4. A surprisingly high electric bill
This last point is something that you might not notice until summer, so why not address the problem now? The spike you’re seeing in your energy bill might be the result of something as simple as a clogged, dirty cooling filter, which is causing your system to work harder than it needs to.
As we’ve said before, these lulls in between the months when your heater or AC will be in high demand are the perfect time to schedule maintenance on your system.
With routine maintenance, you’ll:
- Keep your system from breaking down when you need it most – Your AC company can look for the issues we’ve mentioned above, lubricate moving parts and fix any loose or worn electrical connections.
- Cut down on your energy bill – Regular maintenance can reduce your monthly energy bill. When all the parts of your HVAC system are working properly, your heater and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to do their jobs.
- Extend the life of your system – Just as regular oil changes and inspections keep your car running longer, routine HVAC maintenance will help your system last for several years.
Don’t wait until June’s first heat wave to find out whether your air conditioner is up to the task of keeping you cool. Contact All Seasons Comfort Control to schedule maintenance on your system.
We offer four different levels of maintenance plans designed to fit any budget.
