It’s the first sweltering day of summer in your neighborhood, and you’re hosting a backyard barbecue with all your friends and family. The grill is sizzling, laughter fills the air, and everyone is having a fantastic time.
But then, just as you’re about to serve up the perfectly charred burgers, disaster strikes-your air conditioner gives up the ghost. Suddenly, your cool oasis turns into a sauna, and your guests are fanning themselves with napkins and looking for the nearest exit.
Don’t let this nightmare become your reality! Whether you’re planning a summer bash or just trying to keep your home comfortably cool, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way.
Check out our tips for AC and heating tune-up in Jacksonville.
1. Check Air Filters
One of the simplest yet most crucial steps in maintaining your HVAC system is regularly checking and replacing the air filters. Air filters play a vital role in ensuring your system runs efficiently by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the system and your living space.
Over time, these filters can become clogged up, messing with the airflow and forcing your HVAC system to work too hard which can lead to expensive energy bills and potential damage to the system.
2. Clean The Coils
The two primary coils in an AC system are the evaporator coil, located indoors, and the condenser coil, located outdoors. Both coils play essential roles in the cooling process by facilitating heat exchange; therefore, keeping them clean ensures your system operates at peak performance.
The condenser coil, which releases heat absorbed from inside your home to the outside, is exposed to the elements and can gather random garbage. This can obstruct airflow and decrease the system’s efficiency. To clean the condenser coil, start by turning off the power to the unit.
Clear away any debris around the unit, then use a garden hose to lightly rinse out the coil from the inside out. Don’t use high-pressure water, as it can damage the fins. For stubborn dirt, a coil cleaner can be applied and rinsed off after a few minutes.
3. Look At Your Levels
Ensuring the top performance of your Jacksonville system requires a careful check of various levels, including refrigerant and thermostat settings.
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, helping with the heat exchange process that cools your Florida home. Low refrigerant levels can be a big sign of a leak or insufficient charge, which can lead to decreased cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.
To check the refrigerant levels, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional HVAC maintenance technician, as handling refrigerants requires specialized tools and knowledge.
If the levels are low, the technician can identify and repair any leaks, recharge the system to the appropriate level, and ensure optimal performance.
4. Clear Drain Lines
The drain lines, or condensate lines, carry away the moisture that your air conditioner removes from the air inside your home. Over time, these lines can become clogged with dirt, algae, and other debris, leading to water backups that can cause significant damage and impact the performance of your AC system.
To clear the drain lines, start by locating the condensate drain line, usually a PVC pipe connected to the indoor air handler unit. Turn off the power to your air conditioning system to ensure safety while performing maintenance.
Then, try out a wet and dry vacuum to remove any visible debris from the end of the drain line. This can help dislodge clogs that are close to the opening.
5. Test Function
A comprehensive function test can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. That gives you the wiggle room for timely repairs and adjustments.
Begin by turning on your air conditioning system and setting your home’s thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Allow the system to run for a few minutes and observe its operation.
Listen for any problematic noises such as rattling, buzzing, or grinding, which could indicate loose or worn parts. Also, check for any strange odors that might suggest mold, burning, or other issues within the system.
6. Think About Upgrades
As you perform your summer AC and heating tune-up, it’s a great time to think about potential upgrades that can boost your HVAC performance and efficiency.
Consider replacing your standard air filters with high-efficiency particulate air filters. These filters capture more dust, pollen, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality. High-efficiency filters can also enhance airflow and reduce the strain on your HVAC system, helping it run more efficiently and last longer.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can significantly boost the efficiency of your HVAC system. These thermostats allow you to set different temperatures depending on the time, ensuring that your system runs only when needed.
Smart thermostats can even learn your daily schedule and temperature preferences, automatically adjusting settings to optimize energy use. This helpful upgrade can lead to a lot of energy savings and improved comfort.
7. Get Professional Help
Hiring a qualified HVAC technician for a comprehensive summer tune-up ensures that your system is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and optimized for peak performance.
Certain HVAC maintenance tasks require specialized tools and knowledge to be performed safely and effectively. For example, handling refrigerants, inspecting electrical components, and cleaning intricate parts like evaporator and condenser coils can be risky if done improperly.
Expert Florida HVAC technicians have the necessary tools and are trained to follow safety protocols, ensuring that maintenance is performed without risking damage to your system or personal injury.
Professional home AC services not only fix existing issues but also optimize your system for better performance. Technicians can calibrate your thermostat, balance airflow, and adjust settings to maximize efficiency.
They can also recommend upgrades or adjustments tailored to your specific system and home environment, helping you achieve the best possible comfort and energy savings.
Hire AC and Heating Tune-up Services in Jacksonville Today
An AC and heating tune-up can be a complicated process. Now that you know what goes into it, you can work towards making the right choice for you.
Don’t be afraid to bring in professional help. Weather Engineers has been keeping Jacksonville residents cool since 1963, so you know we have the skills and experience you need.
Get started with us today.
