Air Conditioning Preventive Maintenance Checklist: Better Safe than Sorry

Having your air conditioning fail or not working properly in the middle of the sweltering summer can really make your home uncomfortable. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep an air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of repairs and keep your system running smoothly and efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns, which can be especially harmful to allergy sufferers, those with respiratory conditions, and more.

To comprise an air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist is simple and only requires the following 3-step process.

3-Step Preventive Maintenance Checklist

An air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist enables you to note the condition of your system as well as schedule routine maintenance on major components in order to keep your system running as it should, which helps save time and costs on emergency repairs.

1. Overall System Checklist

• Turn the A/C Unit on, and Perform a General Observation of Your System. Observe that the system starts up promptly and responds to the thermostat’s temperature adjustments. You should also inspect that the thermostat is functioning properly and is maintaining the proper temperature. Listen for unusual sounds and smells, and check that the vent is working properly. Lastly, turn the unit off and make sure it shuts off properly.In other words, observe that the system functions according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. Indoor Equipment Checklist

• Replace or Clean the Air Filters. To keep your A/C running efficiently, it must have a clean filter. Therefore, you should clean the air filter periodically. Also, change your filter at least every 90 days in order to maintain proper airflow.
• Inspect the Control Box, Connections, and Wiring. Loose or disconnected electrical connections can cause your A/C unit not to come on. Therefore, inspect all of your electrical connections and wiring as well as the control box. Tighten electrical connections as needed to keep your A/C up and running.
• Observe the Condensation Drain, the A/C Drain Line, and the Evaporator Coil. The condensation drain and the A/C drain line enable moisture to empty from your system. However, if they are blocked, it allows moisture to build up in your system, which can damage the A/C. Therefore, periodically inspect the condensation drain as well as the drain line to ensure they are dirt-free, and there is no moisture accumulation. You should also inspect that the evaporator coil, which is the part of the system where the refrigerant absorbs heat, is free of dirt because it can affect how much the refrigerant can be absorbed.
• Inspect the Blower and the Blower Housing for Debris. Dirt and other contaminants can accumulate on your A’C’s blower, which can hinder its operation. Therefore, you need to clean the blower periodically to ensure your system functions properly.
• Inspect the Fan Belt and Lubricate the Moving Parts. The A/C system includes various moving parts, including the fan belt, which require smooth movement in order to function properly. Therefore, be sure to lubricate any moving parts. Change the fan belt when needed to keep your system running smoothly.
• Observe the Duct-Work for Leaks. Duct leaks in anywhere in your system can hinder efficient airflow. Therefore, inspect for duct leaks in and around your system, and have any leaks properly repaired in order to maintain sufficient airflow.

3. Outdoor Equipment Checklist

• Clean Dirt, Leaves, and Debris from Inside and Around the Unit. Leaves, pollen, twigs, grass clippings, and other debris during the warmer seasons can fall on top of, on the sides of, and inside of the outdoor A/C unit, which can hinder its function. Therefore, be sure to keep your outdoor unit clear of debris in order to help maintain proper function.
• Observe the Fan Blades, the Fan Motor, the Coils, and the Wiring. Clogged coils outside can force your A/C to work hard, which can require more power to operate your system. However, keeping your coils clean can keep your system running at peak efficiency. Meanwhile, worn or loose fan blades and wiring can create a fire hazard, especially if the fan blades are positioned near wires. Loose belts on the fan motor can cause the motor to overheat, which can also be hazardous. Therefore, be sure the fan blades, the fan motor belts, and the wiring are tight in order to avoid potential dangers.
• Observe the Unit for the Proper Refrigerant Level. Maintaining the proper refrigerant levels not only helps keep your air cool, but it also helps protect the environment. Spilled or leaking refrigerant can cause chemical effects. These can be hazardous to your health as well as to the environment, and it can even damage your system.
• Observe the Tubing and the Compressor for Damage. The compressor stores refrigerant, which is responsible for interchanging hot and cold air between the inside and the outside. If the compressor tubing leaks refrigerant, then it affects the cooling efficiency of your unit, which can increase the cost to cool your home. Therefore, inspect the tubing for leaks to keep your system cooling efficiently.

Final Thoughts

An air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist helps save time and money by allowing you to stay up on your system’s operation and repairs. Once you have created your air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist, simply perform the repairs you can yourself and keep a running record of repairs for your technician. You should perform routine maintenance on your system at least once a year to help ensure proper maintenance in time for the summer.

Wouldn’t it be great to share your air conditioning preventive maintenance tips with friends just in time for the summer? Be sure to share your experience with this air conditioning preventive maintenance checklist to help others as well.