As spring temperatures start to rise, homeowners across Iowa start to think about turning on their AC. But spring weather is erratic, giving us days that are almost unbearably hot and days that are nearly too chilly to bear all in the same week. That makes it difficult to decide when it makes sense to switch from heating to cooling.
But before you decide you’ve had enough of the heat, it’s important to make sure your air conditiong is ready to handle your needs. The HVAC experts at Aspen Aire have put together an AC tune-up checklist for Des Moines homeowners.
These simple but critical maintenance tasks for your HVAC system can save you money, prevent AC breakdowns, and keep you comfortable when the first heatwave hits. Below is a list you can cross off as you go.
- Clean or replace air filter
- Clear and clean outdoor AC unit
- Check inside airflow and vents
- Do an AC “test run”
- Consider a professional tune-up
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter
Making sure you have a clean house air filter is critical. A clogged air filter is one of the leading causes of weak airflow which in turn makes your HVAC system work harder to compensate. Set a regular replacement/cleaning cadence for your air filter to ensure your HVAC unit isn’t overworked.
The replacement cadence for disposable filters varies by filter width. One-inch filters should be replaced every one to three months, leaning toward monthly if you have pets or environmental allergies. Three to four-inch filters should be replaced every six to nine months. Always install new filters with the arrow in the direction of the flow of air.
If you have a permanent or washable filter, every one to three months you should remove it, vacuum loose debris, clean with water and mild detergent, and let it dry for three hours and re-install with the arrow pointing in the same direction as the airflow.
2. Clear & Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit
If you want your AC unit to do its job properly, you have to give it room to breathe. Clear at least two feet of space around the unit, removing any grass, leaves, or debris that could block the intake of air.
Over the course of the year, the condenser coils on your air conditioning unit collect all sorts of dust and debris that must be cleaned off for maximum efficiency. Carefully remove the fan from the unit and spray the condenser coils with water using your garden hose and a sprayer on a medium pressure setting. For each coil, start at the top and work your way down until the debris is fully removed.
3. Check Inside Airflow & Vents
Your AC can’t cool your home if the cool air can’t get where it needs to go. Make sure all vents are open, uncovered, and free of debris. Pay attention to furniture and rug placement, ensuring they don’t block any vents. Vacuum out any collected dust and debris inside the vent.
Pro tip: Sometimes room dimensions and furniture size leave you no choice but to place furniture over a vent. In that case, if the furniture is tall enough, you can purchase a register deflector to redirect the flow of air.
4. Do An AC “Test Run”
Once you’ve done the maintenance and confirmed that your vents are clear, it’s time to test your system. Switch your thermostat to cooling mode and set it to a few degrees lower than room temperature. Confirm that your AC kicks on within a minute. Let your system run for 15 to 20 minutes, paying attention for anything out of the ordinary including:
- Weak airflow
- Grinding, whining, or buzzing noises
- Musty smells
- Warm air instead of cold air
If any of these issues persist over the course of your test run, it’s time to get your cooling system serviced or repaired as soon as possible. Waiting will often make it worse.
5. Consider A Professional Tune-Up
At-home HVAC upkeep helps to ensure your system performs well. However, it’s just a good start. A professional tune-up by a certified contractor improves system longevity, maximizes safety, and helps you maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
When a technician from Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling performs a service call, they go far beyond the DIY checklist. Our team of licensed HVAC professionals do a complete AC inspection and check.
- Calibrate the thermostat and check gas pressure.
- Inspect all electrical components.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Perform a detailed inspection of the capacitor.
- Test the system’s limits to ensure peak efficiency.
- As well as additional system checks and inspections.
Get Your AC in Top Shape Before the First Heatwave Hits!
Don’t risk an inconvenient and expensive emergency call in the middle of a heatwave. Call Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling today to schedule your spring AC tune-up. We are proud to serve our neighbors in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa communities.
