As we move out of the winter season and into Spring, chances are you’re going to want to use your air conditioner again soon. However, your AC unit is likely to be fairly rusty after several months of unuse. To prevent malfunctions and hazards, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual safety evaluation.
While nothing may initially appear wrong with your system, there’s a lot that can happen to your air conditioner overtime, even as it sits idle over the winter. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants and allergens may build-up, affecting people in your home with breathing or allergy issues after your AC unit gets switched back on. Meanwhile, hard to spot electrical issues can put your whole family at risk if not identified and dealt with quickly.
Reasons your AC needs its annual safety evaluation include:
- Your thermostat, wiring, AC shutoff, and blower shutoff must all be in working order for your system to work properly. A professional safety evaluation will be able to test the integrity of these components.
- Electrical parts can shift over the winter, especially if any external forces have knocked your AC unit around. With a visual inspection, a technician can see if any components have come loose and tighten connections as necessary.
- Supply registers and return vents can become clogged after months without use. A professional can clean any blockages and make sure nothing is backed up.
- With a safety evaluation, it is possible to determine if your air filters need to be replaced.
- Your drain line may require cleaning or flushing. A technician can complete this, and asses the condition of your drain line pan and switch.
- Your condenser coil may also need cleaning, as determined by your AC technician.
- While not all systems have one, a condensate pump is another element that can be inspected for allergens and contaminants in a safety evaluation.
- By inspecting/testing capacitors and contactors is an essential, your HVAC technician will be able to note any corrosion or rust.
- By inspecting lines and coils, a service professional can determine if anything is disconnected between your unit and the suction line insulation.
- The compressor amp draw, condenser fan motor amp draw, and blower motor amp draw should all be tested after winter, to determine that they are still working and all wiring is safe.
- The evaporator coil temperature should be evaluated to determine it’s at the correct level.
- You may be able to improve the system’s airflow by checking the static pressure.
- A visual safety inspection can find exposed ductwork, revealing air leaks and other problems.
- Screws and wiring can loosen during winter, but a technician can make sure everything is held in place properly and not going to spark.
- Refrigerant charges can be depleted after winter, and should be checked to see if they meet all manufacturer specifications. If not, your system can experience toxic leaks and smells.
All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical can do all this and more in our annual safety evaluations. We believe in offering comprehensive air conditioning services, which keep customers coming back time and again, knowing they will always receive workmanship designed to protect the integrity of their system. For all AC evaluations, installations, repairs, and maintenance, call All Pro today.
We are available to answer questions 24/7. Just dial (909) 500-8193, or contact us online.