Summers in Tampa, FL are long, hot, humid, and downright oppressive. Although you can look forward to cooling off by visiting your favorite local beach, having an efficient and reliable air conditioner at home is essential.
Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Before summer rolls in and local temperatures soar, schedule preventative AC maintenance service. Pre-season tune-ups limit the risk of mid-season breakdowns by allowing our HVAC technicians to spot and correct minor issues early on. Scheduling professional maintenance service at least once each year also keeps you compliant with the terms of your AC manufacturer’s warranty.
Thermostat Calibration
During an annual tune-up service, our technicians can inspect, test, and calibrate your thermostat. These devices govern all cooling system operations by telling air conditioners when to turn off and on. When thermostats malfunction or fail, cooling and humidity control suffer. We’ll make sure that your thermostat’s temperature reading is accurate. We can also give you tips on programming your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
Coil Cleaning
Air conditioners cool your indoor air by passing it over their cold, refrigerant-filled coils. As warm air moves over the evaporator coil, it sheds its heat. After absorbing this heat, the refrigerant flows to the outdoor condenser unit as a hot, high-pressure gas. This gas sheds its heat via the condenser coil and converts it back to a liquid to start the cooling process anew.
Dirt and other grime on evaporator and condenser coils act as an insulator and can inhibit heat transfer. When refrigerant in evaporator coils can’t collect heat, the interior component of your air conditioner can ice over and cause your system to shut down. Alternatively, buildup on your outdoor unit’s coils can cause it to overheat.
We use specially formulated cleansers to clean coils to prevent damage. When maintaining your cooling system, we’ll also check for evidence of coil leaks and other problems.
Condensate Drain Cleaning
Air conditioners can develop problems even when dormant. When you aren’t using your AC, moisture in its condensate drain creates the perfect conditions for algae and bacteria. When summer arrives, algae or debris may block the condensate line.
We clean and disinfect condensate drains when performing pre-season tune-ups. These services prevent pooling water around drain pans and air handlers. They also optimize humidity control. With a blocked condensate drain, your AC will struggle to extract excess moisture from your home’s air. A poorly maintained drain line could leave your home feeling muggy and warm.
Blower Motor and Blower Fan Maintenance
Central cooling systems have two blower motors: one in their outdoor condenser units and another in their indoor air handlers. Part of tuning up ACs is optimizing blower fan speeds. This ensures adequate cooling with moderate energy use. We also check for and replace worn motor bearings, lubricate moving parts, and address bent or broken fan blades. These and other measures allow for quiet and unobtrusive cooling system operation.
Refrigerant Leak Checks
Refrigerant leak checks are essential for protecting your AC’s compressor. If your system has a refrigerant leak, the compressor may be forced to work harder than it should, which can lead to overheating, reduced performance, or even complete failure.
During their visit, our technicians check for leaks, inspect refrigerant levels, and recharge your system if necessary. They will also inform you about any repairs to refrigerant lines required to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Airflow Testing
Airflow issues can reduce HVAC efficiency and strain the entire system. By measuring airflow at key points, our technicians can determine the best steps to improve circulation and overall performance. Poor airflow can lead to several problems for homeowners, including:
- Rising energy bills
- Noisy operation
- Unpleasant HVAC odors
- Increased humidity
Addressing airflow issues early can help prevent more serious mid-season problems like short cycling, overheating, and frozen evaporator coils.
Testing Electrical Connections
Another important step in our pre-season tune-up service is verifying the integrity of all electrical connections and components, including:
- Electrical contactors
- Wiring
- Run and start capacitors
- Circuit breakers
What You Can Do to Get Your HVAC Summer-Ready
Much of your pre-season AC maintenance belongs in the hands of trained HVAC technicians. However, there are still several things that you can do to prime your cooling equipment for heavy use.
Stock Up on HVAC Air Filters
You should inspect your HVAC air filter monthly and replace it as needed. Most HVAC equipment manufacturers recommend swapping standard air filters out every 30 to 90 days. However, you may have to change yours more frequently due to factors such as whether you have pets or how many people live in your home. You may also have to replace your filter more often during heat waves because they get clogged quicker when your system runs harder.
Check Your Return and Supply Vents
Before turning your AC on for the first time this summer, make sure that all your air vents are open. You should also move any household items that may be blocking them. They need several feet of clearance for proper airflow through your home.
When return vents are obstructed, your system may struggle to pull in enough air to cool properly, which can result in uneven temperatures throughout your home. On the other hand, blocked or closed supply vents can cause pressure to build up in the ductwork, forcing your system to work harder than necessary. Over time, this strain can shorten the lifespan of your equipment and lead to higher energy bills.
Inspect Your Outdoor Condenser Unit and Clean Around Its Perimeter
Your AC condenser requires at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Trim back shrubs, tree limbs, or other dense foliage that is getting too close to your condenser.
Consider Professional Air Duct Cleaning
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the best HVAC air duct cleaning schedule is every three to five years. These services eliminate buildups of dust and debris, improve HVAC airflow, and reduce system stress. If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in a while, spring is a great time to get a fresh start. It’s also a good idea to have your ducts cleaned after remodeling projects or if you notice any mold issues in your home.
Avoid Putting Off Cooling System Replacement
Even the best HVAC technicians can’t make an aging system last forever. Air conditioners typically last between 15 and 25 years. After just one decade of service, many cooling systems have lost nearly half their efficiency and are more likely to experience major or recurring problems. If your home cooling equipment is nearing the end of its lifespan, don’t wait for sudden, mid-season failure to replace it.
Contact Your Local Cooling Professionals
We proudly serve Tampa and the surrounding cities with expert air conditioner maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Our Stress Free AC Program is a great way to get peace of mind you’ll stay cool all summer long. We also provide indoor air quality improvements, thermostat replacement, and preventative maintenance plans. To find out more or schedule an appointment, contact Ahoy! Cooling & Heating today.
