Here in Las Vegas we have a lot of ups and downs in our temperatures, which can provide homeowners extended amounts of time to do their air conditioning spring cleaning. Before the summer heat moves in, it is recommended that you prep your air conditioner and perform some basic maintenance to ensure your unit runs smoother during the coming summer season. For those who are unsure of what they can due versus a professional HVAC technician, Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share a homeowner’s checklist to help you prepare your air conditioning unit.
Tips for Spring Cleaning Your HVAC System
Change Air Filters – To ensure efficiency and the health of your air conditioner, it is
important to change your air filters and change them frequently throughout the year, and most especially during the summer. This year been extremely windy so far in the valley, which means the filters will pick up more dust. Therefore, make sure you check your filters a little more frequently during windy weather. By maintaining clean filters, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency by 10% to 15%, along with preventing premature failure of your air conditioner.
Cleaning Up Around Outdoor Air Conditioning Condenser Units – The air conditioner will be located on the ground or on the roof. To ensure that your unit circulates air properly, you must prevent obstructions getting caught in the fan. You will want to keep at least a two-foot perimeter around the air conditioner clean. The roof unit’s main problems are bird nests and tree branches that are reaching toward the unit or even making contact. Trim the branches, clear away any leaves and bird nests that may be around your air conditioner. Ground units often get overgrown with grass and other plants, especially weeds. Again, the air conditioner unit should have nothing around it within that two-foot perimeter.
Clean AC Vents and Registers – Another spring cleaning task that a homeowner can do is clean the vents and registers inside the home. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the vents and registers in the home. Additionally, make sure the registers are fully opened for proper air flow. By cleaning the vents and registers, it will improve air flow and air circulation as well as improve your indoor air quality.
Clean Condenser & Evaporator Coils – Some homeowners that are familiar and comfortable with air conditioning units may want to tackle their own coil cleaning. The condenser coils are the metal meshing around the outside of the air conditioner. Another component is the evaporator coils which are located near the furnace or connected to the furnace housing which makes a shape of a “V”. There are HVAC coil cleaners that will work for both components. Use the foam cleaner and then use a metal bristled brush to clean the coils. Be careful not to bend the coils as you clean them, or you will restrict the air flow.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines – At the bottom of your HVAC spring cleaning list is to inspect the refrigerant lines. There is no actual cleaning involved. However, you will want to make sure there are no signs of leaking. Low refrigerant can decrease your air conditioner’s life and efficiency. If there are any signs of leaking, contact a HVAC technician.
Recommendations – It is strongly recommended you have your air conditioner inspected and tuned up in the spring to prepare it for the summer season. With a professional inspection, cleaning, and servicing, it will ensure the air conditioner’s efficiency and health.
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If you need your air conditioner unit serviced before the first heat wave hits Las Vegas, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning. Call us for all your HVAC needs.