Checklist For Your AC Efficiency Throughout The Year

HVAC maintenance when done right can ensure that your air conditioning system remains efficiency and delivers high performance throughout the year. It allows you to enjoy uninterrupted and reliable cooling and comfort. This checklist can ensure that your HVAC system works the way it should while lowering your Bay Area utility bills.

1. Condenser inspection

Inspect the condenser for debris and oil deposits. Ask your HVAC professional to measure the system’s operating pressure using a pressure gauge.

2. Draw Readings

You need to draw readings of the start components and capacitor. The capacitor sends electric jolts to the motor to keep it running. It works with the exterior fan, blower motor, and compressor to ensure your AC runs efficiently.

3. Refrigerant Level Readings

You need to conduct a visual inspection to determine any leaks in the refrigerant level. You should note that R22 or Freon has been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency and replaced by R410A or Puron.

4. Check Thermostat Wiring

You need to ensure the wiring delivers accurate reading. The thermostat may require replacement if the HVAC system is unable to power on or continues to short cycle.

5. Inspect Ductwork

Leaky ventilation systems and ductwork will make your system work extra hard. Gaps can also cause debris, dust, and air to enter the system causing problems.

6. Check Air Temperatures

You will need to run the HVAC system for ten minutes until the temperature is balanced inside the ductwork. Check the supply and return air temperatures. Supply register’s temperature needs to be at least 14 – 20 degrees cooler than the return ducts. Air flow may be restricted if the temperature difference is more than 20 degrees.

7. Defrost Cycle/Supplemental Heating Reading

Take a reading of the supplemental heating and defrost cycle to confirm it meets factory standards. Defrost is necessary to thaw ice buildup or frost on the outdoor unit. Supplemental heating works when the outside air falls below a certain temperature.

8. Inspect Outdoor and Indoor Coil

You need to inspect the air entering the coil to confirm it falls within the parameters of manufacturer-provided chart values. You should also inspect indoor coil for debris or dirt buildup. Dirty indoor coils need to be cleaned using a non-acidic cleaner and thoroughly rinsed.

9. Inspect Condenser Coil

Check the condenser coil for debris and dirt. Clean with a non-acidic coil cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Nearby foliage can make the condenser coil quite dirty. Clean away cut grass, falling leaves and other debris to minimize build-up.

10. Check Belt Tension

Problems with the blower motor function and belt tension can cause weak or no airflow through the vents. It may also cause the fan to blow only at a specific speed.

11. Inspect Outdoor Fan

You will need to inspect the outdoor fan’s motor function if it fails to start when the AC is turned on or rotates extremely slow. A rattling noise from the fan is an indication that something is wrong with your HVAC system.

12. Assess Voltage and Amperage

Confirm the amperage and voltage is as per factory specification. Low voltage will cause the motor to run slower and provide lower output whereas high voltage may cause the motor to overheat.