More than 75% of all homes in the US have air conditioners, yet many people don’t understand exactly how they work or what maintenance is necessary throughout the year.

It’s important to realize that having an HVAC maintenance checklist is a critical part of AC maintenance, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress and money long-term if you know what to look for.

Keep reading to learn how to properly care for your HVAC unit throughout the year so you can stay cool all summer long!

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

To keep your HVAC unit running smoothly, you’ll want to begin your AC maintenance schedule at the beginning of the year and start in small steps that include:

Do Visual Inspections and Ongoing Maintenance

You’ll need to do a visual inspection of your HVAC unit regularly when you’re outside. First, note how the system sounds and check for any obvious leaks or broken parts.

Next, you’ll want to ensure the area around your HVAC units is free of grass, overgrown plants, and other debris.

Make sure you trim back all shrubs, trees, and plants up to three feet from the HVAC unit and brush away all pollen, leaves, and pine needles that are on the unit itself. Also, ensure you keep outside furniture and garden supplies clear of the HVAC unit.

Replace Air Filters

Clean and replace old worn-out filters at least every 90 days. If your filters appear clogged or dark in color, it’s a sign they need to be changed. 

Check around for HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filters if you’re not already using them, as they are the best at eliminating bacteria and microorganisms.

Check Refrigerant Lines

Refrigerant lines are the two copper lines that run from your unit into your home. When your AC is on in the summer, the lines should feel cold and have condensation on them if everything is working as it should be.

Dehumidify Your Home

When your AC is on, your HVAC unit reduces humidity levels by condensing the water vapor and turning it into liquid. If your humidity levels are too high, your HVAC system won’t be able to cope well, and your AC won’t be as cold.

So, a huge part of HVAC maintenance is checking the humidity levels in your home to make sure they’re between 30% and 50%. The best way to accomplish this is to get a humidifier and place it in the dampest areas of your home, like your basement.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your HVAC unit has a condensate drain, typically a white PVC pipe or copper pipe near the back of your unit that drains the condensation away.

If this gets clogged or affected by algae or mold, your AC will shut off completely, turn on and off frequently, or you’ll see water pooling. If it’s blocked, you can try to locate the access point and use a wet-dry vacuum to unclog it or call the professionals for help.

Schedule Professional HVAC System Maintenance

A crucial part of your HVAC system maintenance is having a certified technician come in the summer to inspect your HVAC unit to ensure it’s in good working order. 

They’ll also be able to check your entire AC system and spot any additional problems you won’t notice during regular maintenance checks.

Contact North Port HVAC Maintenance Experts Today

Now that you have an HVAC maintenance checklist handy, it will be much easier to take care of your AC maintenance between professional service visits.

If you need AC maintenance service or repair, it’s time to call Cliffs Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. for your North Port AC repair needs. We offer HVAC services, new AC unit installations, furnace repairs, and more. Make sure you contact us today to schedule an appointment!