Key takeaways:
- Murfreesboro homeowners should do simple HVAC checks to prevent costly repairs and improve energy efficiency.
- These regular maintenance tasks include changing filters, cleaning coils, looking for AC leaks, and more.
- It’s also vital to schedule inspections from a trained service technician twice a year.
Checking your HVAC system only takes a few minutes and could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
We’re talking about simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself to ensure your AC unit is working properly.
If you’re unsure what these tasks are, read on for our HVAC preventive maintenance checklist.
We’ll also offer insight into when to call a professional.
Why Is Preventive HVAC Maintenance Important?
Preventive maintenance is about anticipating problems. Instead of waiting for your HVAC to stop working, you’re looking for early signs of AC issues and addressing them with simple maintenance tasks.
You can catch issues early and fix them without paying for emergency repairs. Plus, maintenance can extend the lifespan of your AC unit and mean paying for fewer repairs over the years.
Going through your air conditioning maintenance checklist should take no more than an hour, and it should be done every two to three months.
DIY HVAC System Maintenance and Professional Inspections
Doing a few simple checks by yourself is a great way to spot problems early, but there are HVAC components you won’t be able to inspect.
That’s why you should combine DIY preventive maintenance with regular HVAC inspections from a professional. If you stay on top of your HVAC maintenance checklist, you can space out these professional inspections every six months or so.
5 Things to Check for HVAC Preventive Maintenance
As a Murfreesboro homeowner, you probably have a list of home maintenance things you do regularly. We recommend adding these simple AC checks to it.
Filter Changes
With your air conditioning system off (to prevent debris from entering), remove the old filter and insert a new one in the slot next to the air return vent.
Your AC filter cleans the air that circulates throughout the system. This improves indoor air quality and prevents dust buildups that could affect your HVAC performance. A dirty filter means your HVAC must work harder to circulate air, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and higher bills.
We recommend changing air filters at least every three months, but don’t hesitate to check them monthly in the summer. These months tend to be warm and humid in Murfreesboro, which is the perfect combination for your AC filter to get dirty faster.
Cleaning Around Your Outdoor AC Unit
Don’t let vegetation take over your outdoor AC unit. Shrubbery, tall grass, creeping vines, and weeds can grow and restrict airflow, so your entire system must work harder to keep your home cool.
Ideally, your outdoor unit should be surrounded by only short grass for two or three feet.
Keeping AC Coils Clean
Removing vegetation around your outdoor HVAC unit is just the first step. As part of your bi-monthly HVAC maintenance checklist, you should also clean your outdoor coils.
- Start by turning your AC off and shutting the power off with the switch located next to your outdoor unit so you can work safely.
- Next, you can manually remove any large debris from the outside coils. To remove finer debris and particles, you can use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment (or even a soft manual brush).
- Lastly, spraying the coils with a water hose can help remove any remaining debris. Be careful not to have the water pressure set too high to avoid damaging the coils.
- Keeping your outdoor coils free of debris allows for better airflow when your HVAC unit releases heat back outside, which can really reduce your electricity bills.
Check Condensate Drain Lines
The outside coils you just cleaned aren’t the only coils your AC system uses. There is another set of coils located indoors, which absorbs heat and humidity from your indoor air.
When it does so, condensation forms on the coils’ surface and drips down into a pan below. It then exits your AC system through a condensate drain, which is another element you need to check for preventive maintenance.
Over time, debris can get into the condensate line and form clogs. This can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging your AC system.
Checking condensate drains is easy:
- Locate the drain pan under your indoor unit.
- Check it again after letting your AC run for a while.
- You likely have a clogged condensate line if the water level is high.
- You can unclog the line by flushing it with vinegar.
Look for Signs of AC Leaks
Last but not least, you should look for signs of leaks, including:
- Water leaks from an overflowing drain pan.
- Air leaks from damaged HVAC ducts.
- Refrigerant leaks.
When you inspect your AC’s condensate line, you can check the drain pan. The best way to spot air leaks is to place your hand against duct seams while your AC runs. If you feel any cool air, there is a leak. You can also apply dish soap to the area and see if bubbles form.
Refrigerant leaks can be tougher to spot, but signs like ice building up on your AC coils or hearing a hissing sound from the system typically indicate a leak.
When to Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection in Murfreesboro
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or another serious issue, it’s definitely time to call a pro. You should also call an HVAC maintenance service if you need a repair. While DIY maintenance is great, it’s usually best to leave fixes to experienced technicians.
If you keep up with your DIY maintenance schedule, you can keep your HVAC system in good working order by having an expert inspect it before winter and summer.
Need an HVAC tune-up? Our experts have been serving the Murfreesboro community since 2012. With advanced training and specialized diagnosis tools, they’ll be able to spot any issues you missed during your checks, perform any necessary repairs, and give you personalized maintenance recommendations.
Book your HVAC service online to get started!
HVAC Maintenance FAQs from Airstream Services
Is HVAC preventive maintenance worth it?
Definitely! Simple DIY checks combined with two professional inspections a year can extend the life of your AC unit and prevent costly repairs.
How often should I do HVAC preventive maintenance?
You should do a few visual checks yourself every two to three months and have a professional do a thorough inspection every six months.
What are some signs my HVAC system needs maintenance?
Watch out for higher-than-usual electricity bills. Your system might also need maintenance if it’s having trouble keeping your home cool or seems to run more frequently or for longer.
What’s the most important AC maintenance task I can do myself?
Changing your air filter every three months only takes a few minutes and will work wonders for your AC system.
