A Simple AC Maintenance Checklist for Spring & Summer

Properly maintaining your air conditioner can keep rooms comfortable year-round, and with blistering summer weather approaching, your system needs routine service to run consistently at peak performance.

Below, the experts at National Heating and Air Conditioning explore a Spring and Summer checklist for your HVAC system and how we can help.

Discover the National difference. For AC maintenance in Cincinnati, contact us online or at (513) 621-4620.   

Replace Air Filters

Poor air quality from contaminants and pollutants can affect your health and shorten your HVAC lifespan if the air filter is dirty. To improve the airflow, change your filter per the manufacturer’s instructions.

To replace your air filter:

• Turn off and unplug your AC and locate the filter compartment.
• Remove the old filter by sliding it out of the compartment. Note the sides the arrows are facing.
• Add the new filter with the arrows facing toward the air handler and away from the return.
• To trap the contaminants, seal the used filter in a plastic bag and dispose of it. If you have a reusable/washable version, clean it per the manufacturer’s guidelines and put it back in.
• Plug in your air conditioner and turn it back on.

Clean the Coils

Necessary for heat transfer, your air conditioner’s coils can struggle if debris and dirt accumulate, causing inefficiency, higher repair costs, and a shorter AC lifespan. Clean the AC coils annually but more frequently if you have pets, high pollution, or your filters clog quickly and airflow is poor.

To clean the AC coils:

• Turn off your AC, unplug it, or turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the AC cover by unscrewing it to expose the coils.
• Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove debris and dirt from the outdoor and indoor coils. Be delicate around the aluminum fins.
• Spray coil cleaner or a vinegar and water mixture. Let it sit for five minutes for stubborn stains.
• Rinse off the coils and use low pressure on the fins.
• After the coils are completely dry, put the cover on and turn on your air conditioner.
• Or, leave it to the professionals. With monthly maintenance costing less than $1/day, 15% off repairs, and 21-point inspections, AC tune-ups are more than worth it.

Calibrate Your Thermostat

Calibrating your thermostat helps provide accurate readings and enhanced comfort and ensures energy-efficient cooling. Do routine calibration checks in the summer to prevent your HVAC system from running unnecessarily.

To calibrate the thermostat:

• Let the AC run for 15 minutes and prop an indoor thermometer alongside the thermostat. Compare the readings. If they differ, calibration is necessary.
• Remove the thermostat’s cover. Delicately clean the coils and components with a cloth or soft brush. Avoid vacuums because the suction is too strong for small parts.
• Confirm the mercury vial is straight with a level or ruler and adjust it carefully. Avoid letting the mercury touch your skin.

Inspect Refrigerant Levels

Properly maintaining refrigerant levels can enhance longevity, performance, and efficiency. Signs of low refrigerant include increased energy costs, weak airflow, hissing noises, and short-cycling.

To check the refrigerant levels:

• Turn off your AC and remove its cover to view the gauges for the refrigerant level.
• Take off the refrigerant level gauge access panel on the side of your air conditioner.
• Attach the refrigerant pressure gauges by connecting the red high-pressure gauge to the valve and the blue low-pressure gauge to the valve.
• Check the pressure gauge. Ideal pressures vary by system requirements and preferred temperatures. Low pressure might mean not enough refrigerant. High pressure or too much refrigerant can indicate an overcharged system or restricted airflow. Check for blockages, or contact us, and we can have a look.

Schedule a Tune-Up with National!

National Heating and Air Conditioning has provided top-rated services to homes and businesses in Cincinnati since 1931. Our experience is combined with a team of NATE-certified HVAC technicians to provide you with the best possible service on every job.

We service all brands and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! You can count on us to get the job done right.

Request an AC tune-up in Mason or Blue Ash, OH, by calling us at (513) 621-4620.