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When summer heat settles into the Carolinas, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that decides it has worked hard enough for the year. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance before the hottest days arrive can help your cooling system run more efficiently and reduce the risk of unexpected problems.
Chase, one of Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric’s NATE-certified HVAC technicians, recommends taking care of a few important maintenance items before summer gets into full swing. NATE, which stands for North American Technician Excellence, is a respected certification program for HVAC technicians and demonstrates knowledge and expertise in heating and cooling systems.
Here’s what homeowners should know about getting their AC systems ready for summer.
1. Have Your Outdoor AC Coils Cleaned
Your outdoor air conditioning unit spends the year exposed to the elements. As a result, dirt, leaves, grass clippings, pollen, and other debris can collect around the unit and on its coils.
As Chase explains, cleaning the outdoor coils is an important part of Waldrop’s Deluxe Maintenance Package. Keeping those coils clear of debris helps the system operate efficiently throughout the summer.
Why does that matter? Your outdoor unit needs proper airflow to release heat from your home. When debris and buildup interfere with that process, your system may have to work harder to keep your home comfortable.
Before summer arrives, make sure the area around your outdoor unit is also free from leaves, weeds, landscaping, and other obstructions. However, when it comes to thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the equipment itself, having a trained HVAC technician handle the job helps ensure it is done correctly.
2. Flush Your AC Drain Lines
There’s another part of your cooling system that is easy to overlook: the condensate drain line.
As your air conditioner cools and dehumidifies your home, it produces condensation. That moisture needs somewhere to go, which is where the drain line comes in. Over time, buildup can develop inside the line and potentially cause drainage problems.
That’s why Chase recommends flushing the drain lines before summer. It’s another important step included in preventive AC maintenance and can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise once your cooling system begins running more frequently.
After all, discovering a drainage issue during a stretch of hot weather isn’t anybody’s idea of summer fun.
3. Schedule AC Maintenance Before the Hottest Weather Arrives
Timing matters when it comes to HVAC maintenance.
During mild spring weather, your air conditioner may only run occasionally. Once those continuous hot days arrive, however, the system can run for much longer periods to maintain the temperature inside your home.
As Chase points out, it’s better to address maintenance needs now than wait until your AC is running constantly. Preventive maintenance gives a technician an opportunity to inspect the system, clean important components, and identify potential concerns before your equipment is placed under the heavy workload of summer.
In addition, a properly maintained system can operate more efficiently, helping you get the comfort you expect without making your equipment work unnecessarily hard.
Is Your AC Ready for Summer?
You don’t have to wait for your air conditioner to stop working before giving it some attention. A pre-summer HVAC tune-up can help prepare your system for the months when you’ll depend on it most.
From cleaning outdoor AC coils and flushing drain lines to checking overall system performance, Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric can help make sure your cooling equipment is ready for hot weather.
And, of course, your home’s comfort involves more than heating and air. When you need help with HVAC, plumbing, or electrical services, remember:
Y’all Call Wally.
