Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Air Conditioning

Author: Sarah Kahlon

Perhaps the most essential piece of equipment in a Phoenix home is the air conditioner. The air conditioning system helps to keep a home at the perfect temperature, so the family living in it has a level of comfort that they deserve. Since people heavily rely on air conditioning, it can be extremely concerning if the system isn’t working the way it should.

When air conditioners work below their optimal level, many people start to worry about the necessity of repair. Fortunately, by following an easy maintenance checklist, you can identify if your air conditioning system needs attention from repair experts. Here is a simple air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist that will help you fix minor issues and highlight if there is a more serious problem developing.

Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat is the control center of your air conditioning system, which ensures your home is at the ideal temperature. The thermostat reads the ambient temperature of the room where it is located and automatically triggers the AC when the desired temperature is eclipsed. When you feel the system isn’t running well, check your thermostat. Here are some key steps to verify:

  • Check the heater/cooler/off Switch: Most thermostats are multi-purpose as they are used to power AC and heating systems of homes. These types of thermostats usually have 3 operating positions: Heat (which powers heater), Cool (which powers AC system), and OFF. Sometimes other household members might have turned the thermostat switch off, so check it first.
  • Settings: Programming settings can also change, either by input or an electrical hitch. Check if the programming options are set correctly.
  • Power Supply: Another reason why the AC system might not be working properly is if the thermostat isn’t receiving power. Double-check the power supply of the thermostat.

Ensure Your Connections are Tight

In the previous point, you read how electrical malfunctions in the thermostat can cause inefficient operation. This problem is possible with the AC system and supporting tools as well. A common reason for your AC not working is a loose or disconnected electrical hook-up. If your AC does not turn on, inspect all your electrical connections, especially these two:

  • Check the breaker where your AC is located. Most air conditioning systems operate on a direct circuit as it requires much electricity to power the system. Sometimes, the AC system can overload, particularly when it is extremely hot outside, or the AC filters are clogged. When it overloads, it trips the circuit on the electrical panel for protecting motors and other electrical items.
  • Inspect the electrical connections to the units, as most AC units are outdoors and are installed on the ground or rooftops. This makes them exposed and vulnerable to little critters such as birds, mice, and squirrels. Sometimes these little animals chew through the electrical wires or make the connections loose. Frequently checking and tightening loose connections will get your system up again and run smoothly.

Deep Clean Your AC

One of the most essential parts of AC maintenance is regular cleaning. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can easily build on your unit and obstruct its operation. For ensuring your system runs well in the future, you must routinely clean the condenser, blower, and the evaporator of your AC. Besides cleaning, also check the refrigerant level of your system and add some, if the level is low.

An AC system is an extremely complex electrical and mechanical system, so it is always best to have a professional technician to execute a detailed maintenance tune-up. However, you can carry out basic clean-up, particularly on easy-to-access out panels and supporting equipment to eliminate potential issues.

Inspect Air Filter

The key to a well-functioning AC is unobstructed airflow, so inspecting your air filters is a crucial part of preventive maintenance. The hot and windy climate is the prime environment for the accumulation of dust and sand particles. These pollutants can and usually clog the indoor HVAC filters, which reduce the HVAC filters’ ability to function efficiently.

Inspect your filters and clean them if there is dirt or any other contaminants that are restricting the airflow. You should also consider periodically replacing air filters for ensuring the efficient working of your AC system. For that matter, replacing air filters every 3 months is considered very effective.

Conclusion

Air conditioners that do not get regular maintenance break down more often. Also, these air conditioners will use more energy to operate. Eventually, the life of the equipment will drastically reduce, so it is crucial to schedule AC maintenance at least once a year. Doing so, you will extend its life and increase the efficiency of your AC system. You should follow the preventive maintenance checklist on a regular basis. If the problem is rather big, you should call professional technicians. Subcool offers the best aircon servicing in Singapore.