HVAC Pre-Summer Maintenance Checklist

16 May HVAC Pre-Summer Maintenance Checklist

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Kingsport, TN

When the weather is nice, scheduling an HVAC maintenance inspection tends to be the last thing on our minds. However, the very real possibility of being without cool air for days or even weeks during a searing heat wave should be all the motivation we need to make scheduled maintenance a priority. Hot days are already here, so now is the time to prepare for when your HVAC system will be working its hardest.

The value of HVAC maintenance

HVAC maintenance helps to improve the performance of your air conditioning unit, extend its lifespan, and keep your energy bills manageable for the long term. If your home has an HVAC unit, it either has a heat pump or a conventional air conditioner. Each has its own way of cooling or heating your space, but they both benefit from the same maintenance and tune-ups.

As the hottest weather of the year approaches, below is a checklist of items you will want to cover:

1. Turn Off the Power: Safety is king. Before doing any work on your outdoor unit, make sure the power is off. Most outdoor units have a disconnector nearby, which has a lid-covered handle. Pulling the handle will successfully cut the power to the unit, but not to the disconnector itself. Be sure to fully cover the disconnector before proceeding.
2. Inspect the Unit Panels: Outside units bear the brunt of the elements, year-round. They are enclosed in panels that protect the electrical components from the inevitable harsh weather conditions. Check all the panels to ensure they’re intact. If you notice any damage or exposed electrical components to be exposed, contact your professional HVAC technician in Kingsport to make repairs. Keep the unit turned off until the fix is complete.
3. Clear Away Debris: Dirt and plant debris such as leaves or broken branches, may have been accumulated on the compressor during the spring. If broken twigs or other materials have found their way inside the unit, a wrench or screwdriver might be useful in reaching those items to get them out. Also, make sure to keep 2 feet of space around the unit, to ensure airflow is not obstructed.
4. Repair or Replace Pipe Insulation: Your conduit pipe, which connects your outdoor and indoor units, needs to be properly insulated to maximize your system’s efficiency and your savings. If you find that your insulation is thinning or disintegrating, it needs to be repaired or replaced. Again, we recommend you find a qualified HVAC repair company near you to handle this work.
5. Clean or Replace Air Filters: Your air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced every two to three months–sometimes more, based on the design of your system or how often your HVAC runs.
6. Check the Drainage Line: Mold and algae can build up over time in your drainage line, causing it to flow slowly or stop flowing altogether. To clear the line, find your draining hose, which in most cases will be a 1-inch PVC pipe, and follow it to the end. In most cases, the end is a utility sink or floor drain in your basement. Attach a hand vacuum to the hose and run it for a few minutes to clear away any mold blockage there may be in the hose.
7. Test the Unit: It’s time to see if your cooling unit starts, sounds normal, and most importantly, cools your home as effectively as it always has. If you found any damage while taking any of the aforementioned steps, forgo this final step and contact an HVAC technician at Thompson Electrical Service.

Professional HVAC Maintenance in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Your experienced HVAC professionals at Thompson Electrical Service are just a phone call away to help ensure your home or office remains comfortable throughout the year. We strongly recommend you seek the services of professional HVAC repairmen to handle any issues related to your system.

Thompson Electrical Service has been earning the trust of residential and commercial HVAC customers for the past 20 years. Schedule an appointment today by calling (423) 840-7457 or complete our convenient online contact form.