Meade’s Guide to AC Maintenance

If you want something to last, you have to take good care of it. That’s a simple fact. An air conditioner is one of the biggest home investments you will ever make. With this in mind, you should make air conditioner maintenance a priority. Yet, the professionals at Meade understand that life can get busy and HVAC maintenance can slip your mind.

Let us help you keep your air conditioner in good shape with our Routine Preventative Maintenance program. We will help you keep your system in great shape so that you can relax in a comfortable home. Check out the information below for some helpful maintenance tips.

Common Maintenance Areas

When you take good care of your HVAC system, it will provide you with multiple benefits. These include lower utility bills, fewer repairs over time, a longer lifespan, and maximum comfort. Therefore, air conditioner maintenance is one aspect you will want to set aside some time to think about.

If you are going to maintain any machine, it is important to know what parts or areas require attention and how often. Below are some of the air conditioner components you will want to pay attention to.

Filters

While most HVAC maintenance tasks are better left to the professionals, filter maintenance is one aspect you can take care of on your own. The standard 1” filter that comes with most systems should be changed on a monthly basis. Some higher-quality filters can last longer, but checking them on a monthly basis is a good habit to get into. Basically, if your filter is covered in a layer of dust, it is time to change or clean it. Changing your filter regularly will help prevent dirt from damaging the more sensitive parts of your air conditioner.

Coils

Just like your air filter, your condenser coil and evaporator coil will collect dust as well. This dirt blocks airflow and insulates the coil. Then the coil will have trouble absorbing heat. This will decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner.

To prevent issues keep up with filter maintenance and contact Meade for cleaning and maintenance two times per year. Clearing the area around your condenser will also allow adequate airflow and help prevent issues. This includes debris such as lawn clippings, fallen leaves, branches, and pollen. It is best to call a professional to clean your system and coils, however, you can clear the area around your condenser yourself.

Coil Fins

On your outdoor condenser unit, you will notice fins. These fins help promote airflow and disperse the heat. If these fins get bent, it can block the airflow and decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner. This is another reason to clear the area around your condenser and keep it away from foliage that can cause damage. Ice, snow, hail, and other weather conditions can also cause damage. If you notice that your coil fins are bent, call the professionals at Meade HVAC in Chester Springs, PA for a repair or replacement.

Condensate Drain

Not only does your air conditioner change the temperature of your home, but it also controls the humidity as well. When moisture is expelled from the air, it needs somewhere to go. That is what the condensate drain is for. If the condensate drain gets clogged, it can prevent your air conditioner’s ability to reduce humidity. Then your home will feed sticky and muggy. It can also discolor your carpets and walls. If you are noticing any of these signs, call Meade HVAC for assistance.

Drain Pan

In addition to the drain line, you will want to keep the drain pan clean as well. Typically, a rag will do the trick. Remove any water and debris that you see. If you notice slime or if the pan has an excess amount of water, talk to the professionals at Meade HVAC for help. These are signs of a current or growing clog. Generally, the drain pan should not have any water in it.

Fan and Blower

The fan and blower are the parts responsible for circulating air throughout your home. Therefore, if there is a problem with one of these parts, your entire air conditioner will have trouble functioning properly. The fan and blower are parts that should be serviced by a professional HVAC contractor that knows what they are doing.

One part that wears out quickly is the fan belt. The belt will generally need to be replaced every year. However, this can also vary depending on how well the belt is aligned and tensioned. Meade HVAC can help you ensure that the belt, the fan, and the blower all installed and functioning properly.

Ductwork

Just like a filter, dust will build up in your ductwork over time. This process does not occur as quickly as it does with an air filter, but it is still important to get cleaned. Dirty air ducts can affect your air conditioner’s efficiency, the air quality in your home, and your comfort. This is because the dust and other debris block the airflow. Dirty air ducts can also breed bacteria, mold, dust mites, and allergens.

You should get your air ducts cleaned by a trained professional every 8-10 years. It is important to hire a professional because only they have the right tools to get the job done right. HVAC contractors have special tools that allow them to reach more of the debris within your ducts.

Window Seals for Room Air Conditioners

If you have a window air conditioner unit, one aspect you will want to be aware of is the seal between the unit and the window. Over time, moisture can damage this seal. Then you can end up with an air leak that allows cool air to leak out of your home, apartment, or dorm room. This wastes energy and causes your air conditioner to work harder. Therefore, you should be sure to check the seal around your window unit before each cooling season. If you notice any leaks, be sure to reseal the gaps.

Hire a Professional

Taking good care of your air conditioner can provide you with a variety of benefits. These include:

• Maximum efficiency
• Lower utility bills
• Fewer repairs over time
• Long-life for your air conditioner
• Maximum comfort for your family
• Better air quality throughout your home

If you want to ensure your air conditioner is well taken care of, call on the experts at Meade HVAC in Chester Springs, PA. Our Preventative Maintenance Program can help you ensure that you reap the benefits listed above. With decades of experience, we have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. You can learn more by visiting our website here: https://meadehvac.com/maintenance/. You can also call Meade HVAC at 610-458-8706.