Summer Tune-Up Checklist for Residential HVAC

Your HVAC system is experiencing its hardest working months during the summer in Texas. The last thing you want is for it to break during the hottest months of the year, leaving you and your family sweltering while it gets fixed. Scheduling a tune-up is the best way to ensure that doesn’t happen. By having an HVAC technician go through an HVAC system checklist, you can maximize its efficiency and ensure it’s performing at optimal levels.

HVAC Tune-Up Checklist

1. Clean or Replace Air Filters
   
   This is one step the average homeowner can do on their own. Clogged or dirty filters can obstruct airflow, making your unit work harder to cool your home. Clean reusable filters and replace disposable ones as needed. Regular filter maintenance can also help to ensure efficient cooling and better indoor air quality.
   
   
2. Check Thermostat Settings and Controls
   
   Checking thermostat settings and calibration should be a standard part of any HVAC system tune-up. Typically, the optimal setting ranges between 72- and 78-degrees Fahrenheit, which provides a comfortable indoor temperature without costing a fortune. A programmable thermostat can also regulate the temperature settings for you, maximizing your energy savings. It can also be a headache if it malfunctions.
   
   During maintenance, your HVAC technician should check the thermostat’s controls, making sure they’re responsive, accurately displaying the indoor temperature and reflecting appropriate humidity levels.
   
   
3. Inspect Electrical Connections
   
   A vital part of any HVAC maintenance visit is an inspection of all an HVAC system’s electrical connections. A technician should look for loose, frayed or damaged wires and connections. Faulty electrical components hinder the unit's ability to perform while posing a serious safety hazard. Loose connections can also cause performance issues that might accelerate system wear and reduce the longevity of your system.
   
   
4. Wash Condenser Coils and Outdoor Unit
   
   It’s near impossible to prevent your outdoor units from accumulating dirt, debris and foliage over the course of the year. If it’s accessible, you can clear away any obstructions and clean the condenser coils using a gentle stream of water or a soft brush. It’s important not to damage your system, so many homeowners prefer to leave this job to certified technicians. A properly maintained outdoor unit is vital for maintaining the optimal airflow, efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system.
   
   
5. Unclog Drain Lines
   
   Your HVAC technician should be checking condensate drain lines and your drain pan to ensure there aren’t clogs and that nothing has been dislodged since your last maintenance check. Problems with either the condensate line or the drain pan can potentially result in overflows and water damage, which can lead to its own host of problems.
   
   
6. Inspect Fan Motor
   
   The fans in your HVAC system are vital to its proper operation. Like all fans, there are a host of potential problems that can affect it, from worn belts and faulty fan blades to misalignments and bearing failure. 
   
   
7. Pulley and Belt Replacement
   
   Your maintenance technician should replace any pulleys and belts that look worn-out, stretched or generally faulty. Even if everything looks fine, they can help prevent issues in the future by lubricating the moving parts of your HVAC’s motor and bearings during your tune-up.
   
   Fans are often the source of strange HVAC noises, so if your AC suddenly starts to sound funny, it’s in your best interest to contact an HVAC technician.

Why Touching Up Your HVAC for the Summer is Essential

Ignoring your HVAC system can negatively affect your home. Neglected HVAC systems will circulate accrued dust, allergens and pollutants throughout your home, tainting your indoor air space. Routinely cleaning or replacing air filters will help you maintain a healthier living environment for you and your family. A properly tuned HVAC system can also save you money. If operating correctly, it consumes less energy and reduces your utility bills.

The Texas heat can be relentless, and the last thing you want is for your HVAC system to break down during a scorching summer day. You can help your HVAC unit stay efficient and prevent a costly breakdown that could leave you without cool air when you need it most by scheduling annual preventative maintenance.

Get in Contact with HVAC Experts in Arlington, TX for Reliable Air Conditioner Maintenance

Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. has kept Arlington residents cool during the summer for over 60 years. Our experienced tune-up technicians will thoroughly inspect and service your unit to ensure your home is ready for even the harshest heat waves. For leading HVAC maintenance and 24/7 emergency access, give us a call at (817) 277-4493 or visit us online.