TLDR – What You’ll Learn in Today’s Blog
- Spring is the ideal time for AC maintenance to ensure efficient and reliable cooling all summer long. Proactive AC tune-ups in April or May prevent unexpected summer breakdowns and may be necessary for warranty compliance.
- DIY Checks Include:
- Checking and replacing the furnace filter (connected to the AC system) monthly to maintain efficiency.
- Inspecting and clearing the condensate drain line to prevent clogs and system shutdowns.
- Visually checking and clearing the outdoor unit of debris.
- When to Call Action Furnace: Professional tune-ups cover in-depth checks (e.g., coils, refrigerant levels, electrical components) that DIY efforts miss, maximizing performance and catching hidden issues.
- Consider joining the Action Furnace Comfort Club for prescheduled maintenance, discounts, and worry-free summer comfort.
With spring’s arrival, the focus shifts from heating to cooling. Beyond the usual spring cleaning and decluttering, it’s time to prepare your AC for the summer ahead.
Spring maintenance is crucial for your air conditioner’s ongoing efficiency and performance this summer, plus it’s the best way to prevent unexpected repairs when temperatures inevitably skyrocket. So trust all things AC tune-up to Alberta’s cooling comfort leaders, Action Furnace.
In today’s blog, our maintenance technicians will go over our top tips for long-term cooling comfort. Let’s begin!
Why Spring is the Perfect Time For AC Maintenance
At Action Furnace we believe in a proactive vs. reactive approach when it comes to cooling system maintenance and service. And part of that is scheduling your tune-up well before the summer rush. April and May is the perfect time to get us into your schedule, so as soon as the warmer temperatures of June arrive, your AC is ready to roll!
Plus, regular maintenance is often a critical piece of your air conditioner’s warranty, so best to get your tune-up appointment scheduled and out of the way, so you can rest easier all summer long.
DIY Spring AC Checklist
Check & Replace The Furnace Filter
Yes you read that right, when it comes to your central air conditioner, you need to be checking your furnace filters, because the two systems are connected!
Your furnace’s air filter is the first line of defense for your AC unit and your indoor air quality.
A dirty, clogged filter is one of the most common causes of AC inefficiency and eventual breakdown. As it traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, your filter becomes restricted, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to pull air through. This increased strain elevates energy consumption and energy bills.
Tips for Your Filter Check:
- During the heavy-use summer months, check your filter monthly and plan to replace it every 30 to 90 days, depending on the filter type and the air quality inside your home (e.g., if you have pets or allergies, replace it more frequently).
- Upgrade to a higher MERV Rated filters! Filters are rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). A higher MERV rating means better filtration:
- MERV 1-4 (Basic): Good for capturing large particles like dust bunnies and carpet fibers.
- MERV 5-8 (Residential Standard): Captures mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. This is often the best balance of filtration and airflow for most homes.
- MERV 9-12 (High Efficiency): Excellent for removing fine particles like auto emissions and lead dust.
Inspect and Clear the Drainage Line:
Your AC unit removes humidity from the air, and this moisture (condensate) drips into a pan and is channeled outside through the condensate drain line. Over the cooling season, this line is susceptible to clogs from mold and dirt.
When the drain line clogs, water backs up into the drain pan. In many modern systems, a safety switch will detect high moisture levels and shut down the entire AC unit to prevent water from overflowing and causing costly damage to ceilings, walls, or surrounding components. But it’s a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning this line, whenever you do a visual check of your system, just in case.
Visual Check on the Outdoor Unit
If your air conditioner doesn’t have a cover, we recommend going out every so often to clean out any debris that could get caught in the fins and coils on the outdoor unit.
When to Call in Action Furnace
Simply put, our technicians are trained better. So when you want more from your AC, give our team a call.
Action Furnace air conditioner tune-ups are the most thorough in the industry, and address components and issues, DIY processes just can’t. Our maintenance technicians are trained to identify hidden issues and wear and tear before they become major problems.
Our comprehensive tune-up service covers:
- Inspecting the thermostat filter
- Cleaning and inspecting the evaporator coil
- Cleaning and inspecting the outside of the condenser
- Checking the fan speed
- Inspecting all drain lines
- Checking the capacitor and motor amp draw
- Ensuring proper subcool/superheat settings
- Checking refrigerant levels
Upon completion of your tune-up, we will provide recommendations for upgrades or adjustments that can enhance efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and increase overall home comfort. At Action Furnace, we are dedicated to keeping your home comfortable throughout the summer.
Join The Action Furnace Comfort Club
At Action Furnace, we’ve spent over 40 years providing service and maintenance for our members in the community. No matter the home, there’s a Comfort Club membership that’s right for you.
With prescheduled maintenance, exclusive discounts and perks, your air conditioner is always in good hands with our ongoing maintenance memberships. Give us a call today to discuss your options!
To sum up, preparing your AC unit for the warm months ahead with proactive spring maintenance is the best way to ensure efficient, reliable cooling all summer long. While simple DIY checks can help, scheduling a professional tune-up with the experts at Action Furnace is key to catching hidden issues and maximizing your system’s performance.
Don’t wait for the heatwave, get your AC ready today and enjoy worry-free comfort by calling Action Furnace to schedule your comprehensive spring maintenance.
Air Conditioner Maintenance FAQs
How often should I tune-up my AC?
We recommend having your air conditioner tuned up at least once a year, typically in the spring before the cooling season begins.
Is an AC Tune-up Really Necessary?
Having your air conditioner tuned up is important because it helps to ensure that the system is running efficiently, improving your comfort and saving you up to 12% on your utility bills. Tune-ups can also help prolong the life of the system and prevent costly breakdowns.