Before the sweltering days of summer hit, be sure to schedule your pre-season maintenance check. Your AC has sat still all winter collecting dust, debris and probably a few insects or bugs that need cleared away before it can be turned on. Here is a list of tasks an HVAC technician does to ensure that your cooling system is clean and ready for use before every cooling season.

Thermostat

The first thing is checking the thermostat to be sure it is in good working order and is set to cool. If you have a programmable thermostat, they can check to make sure those settings are working as well.

System Components

The technician will also check the voltage and output of some electrical components and replace ones that are not working. He or she will also tighten any loose connections and secure drain lines and hoses.

Condensate Drain

This is the little drain hole where the condensation is drained away to the outside. This little drain can easily become clogged, making a puddle of pool of liquid near the bottom of your air conditioner.

Lubricate Parts

An air conditioner has many moving parts that work together and create a lot of friction. Friction means heat, which can cause parts to wear out sooner than intended. To keep the system from breaking down from daily use, your contractor will lubricate all the moving parts so they do not wear against each other lengthening their life span.

Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Coils get dirty and collect debris which must be vacuumed and cleaned for proper operation. Dirty coils decrease the systems efficiency making it run more often to maintain the temperature.

Change Air Filter

A dirty air filter can impede you AC’s efforts to cool off the room. It needs airflow but the air flow through a dirty filter is limited which could cause problems with extensive pressure buildup. Filters need to be changed every 1 to 3 months depending on the type of filter you are using.

Motor and Blowers

The technician will also check the motor and blower operation to see that they are working and set at the right operating speed.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant levels are also checked and recharged if needed or leaks fixed if detected on inspection. Low refrigerant levels can cause damage to the air compressor.

Contact the experts at ABA Heating and Cooling with any questions related to pre-season checks or for emergency service. We have been serving the city of Austin for over 20 years and are the AC repair specialists.