AC Maintenance Tips for New Jersey Homeowners
Introduction
When summer arrives in New Jersey, your air conditioner can end up running for hours at a time. If your AC hasn’t been maintained in a while, problems that seemed minor in the spring can become a lot more noticeable once the weather gets hot. The good news is that some basic maintenance is easy to keep up with. Other jobs are better left to an HVAC professional. Here are some things you can do to keep your AC in good shape and know when it’s time to call for service.
Check Your Air Filter
ENERGY STAR recommends checking your filter every month, particularly during periods of heavy heating or cooling. If it’s dirty, replace it or clean it if you have a reusable filter. At a minimum, many systems should have their filters changed every three months. How often you actually need to change the filter depends on your system and your home. If you have pets or a lot of dust in the house, you may need to replace it more often. If you’re not sure which filter to buy, check the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask your HVAC technician.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Take a look at the outdoor AC unit before the cooling season gets busy. Leaves, grass, branches, and other debris can collect around the unit. ENERGY STAR recommends keeping indoor and outdoor HVAC equipment clean and clear of debris. You don’t need to take the equipment apart. Just make sure the area around it isn’t crowded with plants, stored items, or debris. If the outdoor unit needs a more thorough cleaning, it’s better to have a professional handle it rather than risk damaging the equipment.
Make Sure Your Vents Aren’t Blocked
Walk through the house and check your supply vents. Furniture, rugs, curtains, and other items can block airflow. If a room isn’t getting enough air, don’t automatically assume that the AC itself is failing. There could be an airflow issue somewhere in the system. If you’ve checked the vents and the airflow still seems weak, an HVAC technician can inspect the system and determine what’s causing the problem.
Pay Attention to Changes in Your AC
• Your home isn’t cooling like it normally does
• Some rooms are much warmer than others
• The AC is running much longer than usual
• Airflow from the vents is weak
• The system is turning on and off repeatedly
• You hear unusual noises
• You see water around the indoor unit
• Ice or frost is forming on the system
These symptoms can have several different causes. A technician can inspect the system and determine
what needs to be repaired
Don’t Ignore Water Around the Indoor Unit
Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. That water normally drains away through the condensate system. A clogged condensate drain can cause water to back up and potentially cause water damage. ENERGY STAR includes checking the condensate drain as part of a typical HVAC maintenance visit. If you see water around your indoor AC equipment, don’t ignore it. Turn the system off if appropriate and have it checked.
Have the AC Coils Checked
Your AC relies on its indoor and outdoor coils to transfer heat as part of the cooling process. Dirt on the coils can reduce the system’s ability to cool and may cause it to run longer. ENERGY STAR recommends having the evaporator and condenser coils cleaned as part of appropriate professional maintenance. Coil cleaning is one of those jobs that is usually better handled during a professional service visit, especially when the equipment needs to be opened or accessed.
Leave Refrigerant Work to a Professional
If your AC isn’t cooling properly, you may hear that it needs more refrigerant. That’s not something you should try to handle yourself. A refrigerant problem can indicate a leak or another issue with the system. Adding refrigerant without finding the underlying problem may not solve the issue. Under EPA Section 608, technicians who service stationary air-conditioning equipment in a way that could release refrigerant generally need the appropriate EPA certification. If you suspect a refrigerant problem, have the system inspected by a qualified HVAC technician.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
There are a few things homeowners can handle themselves, but professional maintenance covers areas that aren’t easy to check on your own. A typical professional AC maintenance visit may include checking the thermostat and controls, electrical connections, condensate drain, coils, blower components, and refrigerant charge. ENERGY STAR recommends annual pre-season HVAC checkups and suggests having cooling systems checked in the spring before the busy summer season. Getting your system checked before you need it every day can also give you a chance to address problems while they are still manageable.
How Often Should You Maintain Your AC
There’s no single maintenance schedule that works for every home. Your equipment, how much you use it, and conditions inside and outside your home all matter. A simple routine is to check your filter once a month and replace it when it’s dirty. ENERGY STAR also recommends yearly HVAC tune-ups. For New Jersey homeowners, spring is a good time to think about AC maintenance before the summer cooling season gets underway. If your system is older or you’ve noticed changes in how it operates, don’t wait until it stops working on a hot day to have it checked.
Need AC Service in New Jersey?
If your AC isn’t cooling properly, you’re dealing with weak airflow, unusual noises, water around the unit, or another problem, Customer 1st HVAC and Appliance Repair LLC can help. Contact us to schedule an AC inspection or repair and get your cooling system ready for the New Jersey summer.