10-Point Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Summertime HVAC Maintenance Checklist

With an early Spring this year, the cooling season is right around the corner. Hopefully, you have already scheduled your annual inspection visit with an HVAC professional. In the meantime, you may want to do some basic do-it-yourself cleaning to ensure the air conditioner functions smoothly from the start. Use this HVAC Maintenance checklist to get started.

1. Flip the circuit breaker. For your safety, shut off the power to the air conditioner. The electric service panel should have at least one double breaker assigned to the air conditioner. This ensures that the moving parts of the system cannot activate suddenly. You should not be encountering electrical connections, but this also makes sure nothing you touch is hot.
2. Remove the condenser unit panels. With a screwdriver or wrench, remove the cover panels for the outdoor condenser unit. You will be surprised at how much dust and blow debris has collected on the fins and coils. With a garden hose, gently wash the collection away. Do not use a power washer, since it can damage the thin metal fins. After a thorough rinsing, replace the panels.
3. Provide plenty of space. The condenser unit moves a lot of air through the network, a requirement for cooling the coils. Make sure that fall leaves are cleared away and ornamental grass or shrubs are trimmed to a distance of at least 24” on each side.
4. Inspect the pipe insulation. Insulation protects the cool tubing from the hot sun and air temperature, increasing the efficiency of the air conditioner. If insulation is missing or damaged, bring it to the attention of the technician during the inspection visit.
5. Change the air filter. Step inside to find the central air cabinet and locate the air filter. Hopefully, you are familiar with its location; it needs to be replaced quarterly. Check the filter and replace it if the filter is clogged or needs to be replaced.
6. Rinse the evaporator coil. With a screwdriver or wrench, remove the panel and open the evaporator chamber. Inside, find the coil—often it is an inverted V shape. Also, notice the blower motor fan. If dust has collected on either, use a soft-bristle brush and a little water to clean away the collection. Make sure not to damage the fins for this coil.
7. Wipe the drain pan. Below the coil is a shallow drain pan that collects condensation from the cooling cycle. With a cleaning towel, wipe away dust or rust from the bottom of the pan. These items can get stuck in the drain line and create a backup.
8. Rinse the drain line. A 1” PVC line should carry the condensation away from the central cabinet. Pour a little water into the drain pan and make sure the drain line is clear. Mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. Pour this into the drain pan and make sure it also passes through the drain line to the floor drain. The bleach will neutralize any algae growth, which can clog the drain line and create an overflow. Replace the cover with the evaporator chamber.
9. Check the temperature. Flip the circuit breaker to the ON position and use the thermostat to call for cooling. Place a thermometer near the thermostat and check the thermostat settings. Is the temperature sensor accurate? Did the thermostat stop the cycle when the desired temperature was reached?
10. Confirm the visit from an HVAC professional to make further system checks.

Don’t Neglect Your Summertime HVAC Maintenance!

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help you with your HVAC Maintenance and HVAC repair needs. Contact us and get the help you need.