At the beginning of the spring season, you will want to inspect your A/C unit before daily use becomes necessary. It is important to inspect your air conditioning unit before it begin its strenuous work throughout the summer months. Weather forecasters are predicting some Las Vegas Valley suburbs could hit three digit temperatures this weekend! Inspecting your ac doesn’t just improve the efficiency of your unit but also can prevent future problems that could hinder your unit. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning encourages homeowners to inspect their unit for this reason. We will provide a checklist you can follow when doing your inspection.

Air Conditioning Inspection Checklist

When inspecting your unit, you will need a four step process. The first step is to inspect the A/C unit while it is off. Then the next step will be to turn it on and inspect its functions. Next, identify any problems you can detect. Your checklist will be broken down in these steps.
Step 1. Inspection While the A/C Unit is Off
First inspect the outside of the unit. This component is actually called the condenser. Some may have covered it during the winter season to protect it from the outdoor elements. If you are one of these people make sure to remove the cover before running your unit. Next remove any obstructions such as vegetation, dirt, or debris from around the unit if it is on the ground. Some units may be located on the roof. However for ground units, make sure you clear away any obstructions at least 18 inches away from the unit. You may find you will need to use a garden hose to spray away the dirt that may be on the unit directly. You will want to use a 45 degree angle when cleaning the coils on the outside of the A/C unit. Next, return inside your home and check or replace the air filters. This is important and often overlooked. Make sure you change your filters about one to every three months, depending on your living environment to ensure proper air flow and efficiency.
Step 2. Turn On Air Conditioner & Inspect
With the above inspections completed, you can now begin the second part of your inspection. Turn your A/C unit on. Make sure your thermostat is on cool and auto. You may need to drop the temperature down to activate the A/C unit. With the system running go back outside and look at the condenser. Check to see if the fans are spinning and listen for a humming sound from the compressor. Next return inside and walk towards the furnace. This part of your unit may be either in the attic, basement, or a specific closet. Listen for any unusual sound. If any, turn off your unit.
Step 3. Air Conditioning Unit Running But Not Cooling
If your unit is running and everything checks out but you still don’t feel cool air flowing you have a problem. You will most likely need to contact an HVAC professional. However there are a few things a homeowner can check first. Outside by your condenser you will see a copper or aluminum pipe going into your home. Touch the pipe to see if is it cold or frozen over. If the pipe is warm or frozen they are both a problem. The pipe should be cold to the touch and nothing more.
Step 4. What to Look For During an A/C Inspection
If your unit function is normal and you begin using your A/C unit as the season warms up, watch for any signs that your A/C unit is malfunctioning. Again watch for copper lines freezing over. This could mean your low on Freon which means there is a leak somewhere. Watch your power or utility bill and if you begin to notice a spike in your energy cost, this too could be a sign that you a problem.

Air Conditioning Unit Inspections, Tune Ups & More in the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada

You can hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect and identify any problems and repair them before the heat of summer fully kicks in. Here in the desert the last thing you want is to be without air conditioning. If you have found a problem with your A/C unit, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.