There are some tasks that can be performed by the homeowner and others that must be performed by a licensed air conditioning and heating service technician. The more the homeowner can, or is willing to do, the lower the price of the service call will be.
Interior Homeowner A/C Maintenance
Although there's really no written-in-concrete order of tasks, the thermostat is a good place to start. If it is battery powered, it's recommended to change the batteries. There's no sense in risking them failing in the middle of sultry summer night.
Thermostat calibration and cleaning is also a good idea at this stage. If the unit is one of the older round types, it is advisable to invest in a 7-day programmable thermostat. This will allow the home to remain in the comfort zone only when needed, not 24 hours a day.
The next thing to do is to inspect the duct system. Insulated metal ducts are generally problem-free, but many homes are built using flex ducts. These are inexpensive and easy to install. Essentially, they consist of an insulated foil tube with an interior metal wire coil to keep them round and expanded. The downside is that they degrade in the attic heat and either collapse, restricting air flow, or rip.
When they rip, 2 problems arise. First, heated or cooled air escapes, depending on the season. Secondly, dust and bits of attic insulation infiltrate the duct and are delivered into the home via the diffusers or air grills. Small rips may be patched using metalized duct tape (never use plastic-type duct tape in the attic; it won't last), but it's a better idea to replace the entire run.
Exterior Homeowner A/C Maintenance
Next, inspect the air conditioner condenser. In most cases, this is the unit that sits on a concrete or plastic pad outside the home. The top and interior should be free of all debris. Be certain there is no power to the unit when performing this task. Although the increasingly-popular ductless mini-split air conditioners require less maintenance, this step is important for them too.
There are metal cooling fins located on the exterior sides. Be very careful when working with these because they are extremely sharp and will cut to the bone. Since they are very thin, they bend easily but must be straight to be effective and energy efficient. It's easiest to straighten them with a condenser fin comb.
Next, use a a soft brush or a garden hose with high-pressure nozzle to clean between the fins to optimize air flow. Finally, back inside the home, change out the return air filter and make a note to change it every month on the day when the electric bill is paid. Steadily increasing utility rates are a great incentive to perform this important money-saving task.
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
Join the Conversation