The AC Maintenance Checklist: Quarterly and Annual Tasks You Can’t Ignore

The climate in this area is perfect! Well, it is really enjoyable most of the time. Our winters are short and mild. Our spring and fall weather can’t be beat. The summer is a bearable tradeoff for the extreme cold experienced in northern states.

The heat and humidity created tremendous stress on our Texan ancestors, but we have learned to deal with the stress. Mostly, we deal with the stress from high temperatures and humidity with… air conditioning. If we want to be outside in the heat, we have it in spades. If we need some relief, we go inside: our homes, our vehicles, most stores, and most workplaces include air conditioning, unless working of necessity. Air conditioning:

• Provides comfort by cooling the inside air
• Dehumidifies the air to keep the inside air dry
• Moves the air to keep it fresh
• Cleans the air to keep it healthy

While the air conditioner was built to handle the stress humans experience from heat and humidity, it needs to receive regular maintenance to make sure that stress does not build up in the components. Regular maintenance tasks need to be completed, some quarterly and some annually.

Quarterly AC Maintenance Cypress Tasks

• Air filters efficiently scrub dust, pollen, mold spores, and more from the air with every heating and cooling cycle. Eventually, the filter’s surface is completely covered with a thick layer of dust. Yay! All of that mess has been permanently removed from the indoor air in your home. However, if left too thick, not enough air is allowed to pass through the filter, making the system very ineffective at cooling the air. Set a reminder on the calendar or a phone prompt. Out with the old dusty filter and in with a brand-new clean filter.
• The outdoor component of the air conditioner, the condenser unit, needs to be checked at least quarterly. In the fall and winter, leaves and debris may blow around it, and in the spring and summer, grass and shrubs may grow too close. Ensure that an 18” to 24” area is open in every direction around the condenser.

Annual AC Maintenance Cypress Tasks

Schedule a preventative maintenance visit from a qualified HVAC technician at least once per year. A professional with the proper tools and equipment will examine the function and efficiency of the entire heating and cooling system, including:

1. Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils. These pieces collect heat from the house and release it outside. Air is drawn over coils of tubing with very thin fins. These tubes maximize the flow of heat in the right direction, but a thick coat of dust, pollen, and dirt acts as insulation to prevent the transfer of heat.
2. Cleaning the drain line. The evaporator removes humidity from the air and lets it drain away. If the drain line gets clogged, the humidity will flow over the drain pan and into your home. Cleaning the drain line is a simple but necessary task.
3. Checking the refrigerant level. Should the refrigerant leak, it can result in costly repairs or an emergency replacement of the system.
4. Testing the electrical sensors and control mechanisms, checking for stress or signs of imminent failure.
5. Inspect the blower motor belt for signs of wear.
6. Inspecting the ductwork that is visible, looking for possible gaps, holes, or leaks.
7. Checking the return and supply vents to make sure they are not covered.
8. Testing and calibrating the thermostat, replacing the batteries, and explaining enhanced functions that the homeowner might not be aware of at the time.
9. Testing overall system function by checking for the rate of temperature change over a set period of time.

Beating the Heat With Northwind AC and Heating: Essential AC Maintenance for Local Families

Don’t wait for a summer breakdown to realize your system needs attention. Our expert technicians are ready to ensure your home stays a cool sanctuary by providing the comprehensive AC maintenance Cypress homeowners trust for year-round comfort. Call Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating today to schedule your preventative maintenance appointment and keep your unit running at peak efficiency.