Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance

Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance
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Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance

Airstream Services recommends air conditioning preventative maintenance in Murfreesboro, TN every spring to ensure an efficiently running unit that does not cost you unnecessary money out of your pocket. Think about it, you wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without changing the oil. If you did, the car wouldn’t last long and would cost you a fortune in repairs. The same logic is true for your air conditioning and HVAC systems.

When Should I Do Furnace Maintenance?

Airstream Services has noted our preventative maintenance checklist below to help keep your HVAC system up and running even longer and in peak performance. For a system that heats and cools, perform maintenance in the spring and fall. For cooling system maintenance only, perform maintenance at least once a year, before the cooling season. For furnace maintenance only, perform maintenance at least once a year, before the heating season.

HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Airstream Services provides preventative maintenance service for both indoor and outdoor units. We have noted below the checklist of items that are covered.

Outdoor HVAC Units

  • Inspect unit for proper refrigerant level and adjust if necessary
  • Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet
  • Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings – remove obstructions as necessary
  • Inspect coil and cabinet – clean as needed
  • Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage – on older models lubricate as needed
  • Inspect control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.
  • Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage

Indoor HVAC Units

  • Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)
  • On older models, lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed
  • Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary
  • Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed
  • Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces
  • Inspect burner assembly – clean and adjust as needed
  • Inspect ignition system and safety controls – clean and adjust as needed
  • Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements
  • Inspect flue system – check for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.
  • Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections
  • Clean or replace air filters
  • Inspect conditioned airflow system (ductwork) – check for leaks

While Your System is Operating

  • Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities
  • Listen for abnormal noise
  • Search for source of unusual odors
  • Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge
  • Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature
  • Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature
  • Measure high and low side system pressures
  • Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure – make adjustments as needed
  • Measure temperature rise and adjust airflow as needed
  • Check vent system for proper operation
  • Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
  • Monitor system operation per manufacturer’s specifications
  • Provide system operation report and recommend repairs or replacement as necessary

Air Conditioning System Maintenance

  • Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.
  • Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging vents.
  • When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun’s heat.
  • During moderate weather, don’t use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
  • Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
  • Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
  • In the cooling season, don’t run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.
  • Don’t place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.

 

Call Airstream Services today for all your air conditioning and HVAC repairs and preventative maintenance checkups:

(615) 685-8822

Airstream Services Team

STEVEN BLACK

Chief Operating Officer

Meet Steven, a proud Murfreesboro resident and devoted family man. Married to his wonderful wife, Steven is a loving father to his adorable daughter. Their household also includes two playful dogs and one curious cat, making for a lively home!

Before joining our team, Steven served in the Air Force for an impressive 9 years. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him casting a line at his favorite fishing spot or strumming a tune on his guitar. A big fan of “The Office,” Steven never misses an episode.

If he had to choose one meal for the rest of his life, pizza would be his top pick. Two exciting items on Steven’s bucket list are skydiving and traveling the world. With his adventurous spirit and dedication, Steven brings a unique energy to our team!