One of the most important systems in your home for comfort and resale is one that is often out of site and out of mind until there’s a problem; your HVAC system. The average home air conditioning and heating units last between 15 and 25 years, with proper maintenance. The key words here being “with proper maintenance”.

At One Hour Heating and Air, we always recommend a bi-annual seasonal checkup for your HVAC units in spring and fall as part of our affordable, comprehensive Comfort Club membership. However, we realize that not everyone selects that option and our goal here is not to sell you club membership (although you can read all about it here), but to give you a quick DIY checklist that will keep your system as healthy as possible, until the need to call us into service arises.

Here’s your 5-Step DIY Maintenance Checklist for Your Air Conditioning Unit:

  1. Check thermostat and other controls: Adjust the settings up and down to test that the cooling units respond properly to how you are programming them. You should be able to hear them turn on and the air moving through the ducts, followed by cool air coming through the vents. Try other modes and settings to see if the unit responds to what you are telling it to do.
  2. Check connections: If you are comfortable doing so, tighten all electrical connections and, if you have the proper tool to measure voltage and current, do so on the motor. If you get any indication your electrical components are not working properly, contact us immediately.
  3. Lubricate all moving parts: You want to avoid friction in mechanical parts that move constantly when the unit is in operation. We list lubricating components and checking connections as DIY checklist options, however if you are at all uncertain about how to do that, your One Hour Heating and Air trained professional can do it fast, accurately, and cost-effectively.
  4. Check and inspect the condensate drain: You will want to do this in both your air conditioning unit and furnace or heat pump (when in cooling mode). Make sure the drains are not plugged or clogged in any way, as that can impact your indoor humidity levels.
  5. Inspect, clean, and change air filters: This is probably one of the easiest and most affordable steps you can take to extend the life of your system and keep performance at a peak level. Change your filters once a month. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to repairs and replacement sooner.

These are by no means the only items that should be checked on your air conditioner before it goes into operation each summer, however, they are the five steps most customers are comfortable checking themselves. When your One Hour Heating and Air expert conducts a seasonal revitalization, he or she will cover steps 1 through 5 above, PLUS carefully look at 88 other inspection points on your system. Yes, 88!

  1. Clean Condenser Coils: Even though changing the air filters can prevent build-up on your condenser coils, they still accumulate dirt. We’ll professionally clean these coils during a tune-up. Dirty coils can stop the condenser from absorbing heat and cause the coil to fail prematurely. (DIY Tip: You can also help minimize build-up by removing dirt, bushes, and other foliage near your condenser unit.)
  1. Clean & Tighten Electrical Connections: Even if you have tightened them during your DIY inspection, we will double-check all electrical connections and clean any that may have corrosion or debris on them.
  1. Check Refrigerant Levels: We’ll check the refrigerant levels in your air conditioning unit and let you know if it falls below the manufacturer’s specifications. This is something that should only be done by a professional, as improper inspection and refill can cause a leak or other damage that leads to a much more expensive repair call later.
  2. Check Contacts & Condensation Lines: As with any electrical connections you may have already checked, we will confirm all condensation lines are clear of blockages or debris.
  1. Check & Calibrate Thermostat: We’ll take a quick glance at your thermostat, too. We can change the batteries if it’s been more than a year. We’ll make sure it is turning your HVAC units on and off properly, as well. If you have a smart thermostat and aren’t sure how to work all the bells and whistles, we’re happy to give you a quick tutorial so you can maximize all of the features it offers.

Other items covered in our seasonal A/C inspection and tune-up are:

  • Clear drain pans of any standing water to avoid overflows
  • Replace worn pulleys and belts
  • Inspect ducts for mold, dust, and debris
  • Observe humidity levels
  • Check fan motor
  • Check blowers and blades for proper airflow
  • Inspect cabinet for leaks and check cabinet door for secure closure
  • Check for debris around outside unit

At One Hour Heating and Air, we’re committed to making sure your comfort system gives you maximize performance, with maximum savings. We’ve been serving your neighbors in Charlotte and the surrounding areas, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville for decades.

Call us to schedule your 93-point seasonal revitalization now. Even if you’re not currently a One Hour Heating and Air customer, we will give you priority service and show you why you can put your trust and family’s comfort in our hands. Do you have an aging system? Our affordable financing programs can match any budget to a high-performance, top-quality HVAC system.

Visit www.onehourA/C.com for our weekly and monthly specials. Call our 24/7 customer service line today 704-251-0610.