End-of-Season AC Maintenance for Your Home
Your air conditioning unit has been your hero all summer long. As summer winds down, so does our reliance on our AC. But before your AC becomes out-of-sight-out-of-mind, we recommend end-of-season AC maintenance to ensure your AC hero saves the day next summer!
Do I Need End-of-Season AC Maintenance?
As the cooling season winds down, your air conditioner has already carried a heavy workload. Long stretches of humid weather, frequent cycling, and outdoor exposure all contribute to gradual wear. These stresses don’t disappear when the system is switched off; instead, they remain dormant until spring, when they can resurface as costly breakdowns.
Dust accumulation, weakened wiring, or refrigerant imbalances may go unnoticed through the winter months. By scheduling end-of-season AC maintenance, you ensure that these issues are corrected now, preventing them from escalating into larger problems when you need cooling again. This proactive step protects your comfort, preserves efficiency, and extends the life of your system.
Benefits of End-of-Season AC Maintenance
Taking care of your air conditioner before shutting it down for the year provides lasting advantages that reach well beyond the current season and is one of the best AC shutdown tips to prepare your AC for winter.
- Efficiency gains: A serviced system runs with less strain, lowering energy use when it’s restarted and helping you avoid unnecessary spikes in utility bills.
- Extended lifespan: Prompt attention reduces wear on components, allowing your AC to fserve you reliably for more years before replacement becomes necessary.
- Reduced repair costs: Addressing minor issues now prevents them from developing into major malfunctions that could require expensive parts or emergency service.
- Cleaner indoor air: Removing buildup ensures fresher airflow, reducing the risk of mold, mildew, or allergens circulating through your home.
- Warranty compliance: Many manufacturers require documented maintenance to keep warranties valid, so this step safeguards your investment and ensures coverage remains intact.
What Will the HVAC Technician Check on My Air Conditioner?
When you schedule service today, a trained technician will perform a detailed inspection to confirm your system is ready for its seasonal rest. Our process focuses on the components most affected by summer’s workload, ensuring each is secure, clean, and functioning properly.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is inspected for dirt, dust, or microbial buildup that can restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. If buildup is present, your technician carefully cleans the coil to restore proper heat absorption. This step not only improves performance but also helps maintain healthier indoor air quality by preventing contaminants from circulating.
Condenser Coil
Because the condenser coil sits outdoors, it is vulnerable to leaves, grass clippings, and other debris. Your technician clears away obstructions and straightens bent fins, ensuring the coil can release heat effectively. A clean condenser coil reduces strain on the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace, making this check especially important.
Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is measured to confirm the system is properly charged. Low levels may indicate a leak or imbalance, both of which can compromise cooling power and efficiency. Your technician uses specialized gauges to verify pressure and make adjustments, ensuring the system is ready for next summer’s demands without risk of overheating or underperforming.
Electrical Connections
Loose or corroded wiring can cause shorts, tripped breakers, or even system failure. Each connection is tightened and inspected for safety, reducing the risk of electrical issues when the unit is restarted. This step also helps protect sensitive components like the compressor and fan motor from voltage irregularities that could shorten their lifespan.
Ductwork
Visible ductwork is checked for leaks, gaps, or blockages. Even small openings can waste energy and reduce comfort by allowing conditioned air to escape. Your technician may recommend sealing or adjustments to maximize efficiency and airflow, ensuring that every room in your home receives consistent cooling when the system is back in use.
DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks
While your HVAC technician will cover all the bases during professional maintenance, there are a few tasks you can do yourself:
- Change your air filters: Dirty air filters are the Kryptonite of air conditioning units. You might have changed your home’s filters at the beginning of the hot weather season, but now after months of use, those filters are likely ready for a refresh.
- Check your electrical connections: Summer heat comes with summer storms, power outages, and surges. All this can cause a unit to short circuit or cause a faulty thermostat.
- Cut back landscaping: Your AC unit needs a few feet of space to do its thing. Bushes and weeds can interfere with its function. Clear back any landscaping within 2 feet of the system.
- Check your exterior unit for damage: Your AC unit has aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils that can become bent or damaged by the elements. Make sure to straighten them if possible.
- Consider covering your unit: A cover can help to winterize your AC unit protecting it from winter weather and debris.
- Consider AC replacement: If your AC unit didn’t perform as well as it should and is 10 years or older, it might be time to replace your AC system with a newer, more efficient model.
Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance With Service Today
Your cooling crusader worked hard all summer, but even a superhero needs a little upkeep. End-of-season air conditioning maintenance is key to prolonging your system’s efficiency and life span.
Annual air conditioning tune-ups aren’t just good practice; they can be a requirement to meet the terms of your manufacturer warranty.
Call Service Today or contact us online today to schedule your end-of-season AC maintenance.
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