If you haven’t already scheduled air conditioner maintenance this year, now is as good of a time as any. It’s always better to schedule AC maintenance when it is convenient for you rather than skipping it altogether.
What happens during central air conditioner maintenance?
- A technician begins with a full system inspection, checking both your indoor and outdoor units for any visible damage or issues.
- They perform an indoor system check, inspecting the air filter, condensate drain, electrical connections, ducts, and vents for proper operation and airflow.
- Then they move on to the outdoor unit, cleaning off debris, straightening bent fins, and opening the unit if troubleshooting is needed.
- Finally, they provide professional recommendations to improve efficiency, reduce strain, and extend the system’s lifespan.
When you are new to central air conditioner maintenance in Lake Zurich, IL, you may be wondering what to expect during an appointment with our technicians. You can keep reading to learn more about an air conditioning maintenance appointment so you know what to expect. Then, give our team a call to schedule your appointment before summer is over. In the meantime, learn 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money and boosts system performance.
Full System Inspection
Our first step is to take a look at your system as a whole. This is a high-level review of what your air conditioner looks like inside and out. The idea of this initial once over is to identify any glaring problems. For example, if there is any damage on the outside of your indoor or outdoor air conditioning unit, that’s a sign that there is also damage on the inside.
Indoor System Check
Next we take a look at your indoor air conditioning unit. We will open the cabinet and inspect the indoor components. We will pay special attention to the area where your air filter is, the condensate drain line and all of the electrical and other connections. We want to make sure that everything is secure and that there are no leaks or problems.
All of your components need to work together for the best results and a problem in one small area can lead to widespread problems. While we are inside, we will also check your ductwork and air vents. A lot of your air conditioner’s efficiency is dependent on having sealed ductwork and air vents that are not blocked by furniture. If we notice any concerns, we will bring them to your attention and make recommendations.
Outdoor Unit Inspection
Next, we check your outdoor unit. Your outdoor unit has a very important role of helping heat and humidity to escape the inside of your home and channel outside. But your outdoor unit is exposed to the elements all day, every day. Because of this, it’s easy for the unit to get dirty. For more insights, read about preventing AC breakdowns this season to stay ahead of common outdoor unit issues.
We may gently hose off the unit to clean it and even straighten the fins on the side if they are bent. If you’ve been experiencing any problems with your air conditioner, we may open up this outdoor unit to take a look inside and troubleshoot your problems.
Professional Recommendations
At the end of the appointment, our team will make expert recommendations for how you can take better care of your air conditioner and improve efficiency. During our inspection, we may notice wear patterns or ways that you can use your air conditioner better to reduce wear and tear. Follow end-of-summer maintenance tips here to support what we recommend during your visit. It also means taking care of your air conditioner every single day by lightening the load and reducing strain however you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What first steps does a technician take during central air conditioner maintenance?
Answer: The technician begins with an overall system check, inspecting your AC, both indoor and outdoor, for visible damage or signs of wear. They then open the indoor unit to examine components such as the air filter area, condensate drain line, and electrical connections to ensure everything is secure and leak-free.
Question: What kinds of cleaning and adjustments are performed during maintenance?
Answer: The indoor and outdoor coils are cleaned, sometimes hoses are used to rinse away dirt. Bent fins may be straightened and moving parts lubricated. The technician may also clean the condensate drain and line to prevent clogs and maintain proper function.
Question: Does maintenance include checking refrigerant levels and electrical components?
Answer: Yes. A professional checks refrigerant levels for proper performance and tests for leaks. They also examine electrical connections, test system controls, and ensure correct thermostat calibration to maintain safe, efficient operation.
Question: What happens at the end of the maintenance visit?
Answer: Upon service completion, the technician offers expert recommendations, such as filter replacement frequency, parts that may need attention soon, or tips to improve efficiency, so you can better care for your AC going forward.
Question: Why is annual professional maintenance beneficial?
Answer: Regular tune-ups help your AC run more efficiently, lower energy bills, extend its lifespan, and catch minor issues before they become major repairs, saving you money and avoiding inconvenient breakdowns.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!