Spring is here, and you are more than ready to enjoy the fresh air and warm temperatures in Santa Rosa, CA. In anticipation of the sweltering heat of summer, you’ll want to have your HVAC system inspected and preventative maintenance performed to ensure you don’t lose cool air in the middle of the hot season. Our dedicated professional HVAC technicians are ready to help you take care of this maintenance and prepare you for a comfortable summer inside your home.
Importance of Annual HVAC Maintenance
You want cool air when the temperature rises during the spring and summer. You rely heavily on your air conditioner during the peak of summer when the temperature reaches extreme degrees in Santa Rosa. Annual preventative maintenance helps you keep your cooling unit running safely and efficiently, allowing you to stay comfortable indoors. This routine maintenance ensures your air conditioner is running as it should with no mechanical issues, providing you with cool indoor air.
With safety, efficiency, and optimal working conditions in mind, read on to learn the steps our HVAC technicians take when performing your annual heating and cooling maintenance.
Clean Outside of the Unit
Your outdoor unit takes a beating from wind, rain, and other outside elements, making the unit dirty over the winter. You can wipe down the outside of the unit yourself, removing excess dirt and dust. Remove all debris on or around the unit, such as leaves and twigs. Ensure a two-foot clearance around the entire air conditioner.
Replace Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system remove dust and allergens from the air circulating in your home. You should replace your air filters about every three months to maintain high indoor air quality and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. The changing of seasons is a great time to remember to change the filters.
Clean the Condensate Drain
Your air conditioner creates condensation when it runs, and this condensation turns to water. The condensate drain allows moisture from condensation to move safely away from the air conditioner. If this line gets plugged up, the water will stay in or near the unit, resulting in operating issues. Our technicians will inspect this drain line and remove any debris that could cause a blockage.
Check Refrigerant Level
Refrigerant is used in your air conditioner to cool the air that blows through your vents. Our technicians will check the refrigerant level and add more if needed. They may also check for leaks that cause your unit to lose coolant. Never attempt to deal with refrigerant if you are untrained in handling the material, as there are health hazards associated with exposure.
Clean the Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Our technicians will clean the condenser and evaporator coils, removing dust and dirt to promote a longer lifespan and more efficient operation. They will also visually inspect the coils, checking for signs of excessive wear and tear.
Check the Blower Motor
The blower motor inside your HVAC unit moves cold air into the air ducts. Our technicians will clean the blower motor and inspect the component, looking for damage that could cause improper operation. The blower is one of the most common parts of your HVAC unit that requires replacement.
Inspect Belts and Pulleys
Belts and pulleys inside your air conditioner or HVAC unit provide movement for other parts of the machine. Our team will inspect these components for damage, replacing any belts or pulleys that are worn out, cracked, or loose.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your air conditioner has many moving parts that work together to power your machine and provide you with cold air. Some of the moving parts may need lubrication to prevent damage caused by friction as they move to operate your unit.
Inspect Safety and Controls
Each air conditioner model has safety controls and functions that prevent your unit from running when it shouldn’t. Our technicians will inspect your unit and find these controls and features, testing each. Your air conditioner should shut down and stay off when a malfunction is present, preventing danger to you and your home and warding off damage to your unit.
Inspect Electrical Connections
Your air conditioner requires electricity for operation. Our team will inspect the wiring and power supply of the unit to ensure tight and secure connections. They will also look for frayed or damaged wires that could cause an electrical fire or failure of your unit. Connections should be tight and secure. In addition, during the electrical inspection portion of the maintenance checklist, our technicians will test for proper voltage and amps, ensuring your unit is not running too high or too low.
Calibrate Thermostat
You control the temperature inside your house using the thermostat, usually mounted on a wall. Your home should cool to the temperature set on the thermostat, with the air conditioner shutting off when it reaches that point. Once the temperature rises above the set temperature, the air conditioner powers back on to cool your home down again. If you feel that your air conditioner is running too often or shutting down too quickly, our technicians can assess the thermostat and calibrate it. This calibration gives you better control of your home comfort.
Spring maintenance is also a great time to check the batteries in your thermostat. Most thermostats run on battery power and will not function if the batteries die. If the batteries in the thermostat are dead, you will lose the ability to control and operate your air conditioner.
Visually Inspect Ducts
Our HVAC team may inspect your ductwork for any signs of air leaks or blockages. Faults within your ductwork are often the cause of insufficient or uneven cooling. Our technicians can repair loose connections between ducts and replace any ducts with holes or damage. For clogs and obstructions, you may need professional duct cleaning. We recommend professional cleaning every three to five years.
You should also check your air vents and intake registers. These should be wiped clean of dirt and dust. As air travels through these vents, the dust and dirt may circulate throughout your home, causing low-quality indoor air and a dusty house.
How We Can Help
Annual preventative maintenance is imperative to prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your HVAC units. We provide thorough and detailed inspections, assessments, and maintenance to ensure efficient and safe operation of your HVAC system to get you through the blazing heat of Santa Rosa summers. In addition to annual maintenance, our technicians provide air conditioner and furnace repairs and installations, helping you stay comfortable all year. KC Home Services is also your top trusted partner for any plumbing services your home needs. We also provide emergency services to keep you comfortable and help you maintain modern convenience.
For comprehensive HVAC maintenance in Santa Rose this spring, count on the reliable professionals from KC Home Services.
