AC Maintenance for Katy Texas Homes

Ensure Comfort All Summer: Katy Texas AC Maintenance Checklist

Spring days, with mild temperatures during the day and cool temperatures during the evening, are in the rear-view mirror. It will be a while before opening windows for long periods of time happens in Katy Texas. Accompanying the hotter temperatures will be higher humidity and high pollen count, so keeping the air conditioner performing well all summer is essential for comfortable summer living. Performance and consistency over the long run depend upon a great preventative AC maintenance plan. Do you have a great AC maintenance plan in place?

Scheduling Professional AC Maintenance

There are plenty of steps a homeowner can take to care for an air conditioner system, but there are some steps that need to be handled by a trained HVAC professional.

  • Anyone who handles the refrigerant gases used for air conditioning and refrigeration must complete U.S. Environmental Protection Agency training and be certified. That is a lot more work than most homeowners are willing to take on.
  • The air conditioner’s electronics are complex and must be handled with training and on-the-job training; some wires carry 220V and some carry 24V. It is important to know the difference between the two, since one can give a deadly shock.
  • Heating and air conditioning are processes. Knowing the processes is essential to knowing how to properly maintain the system.
  • When repairs need to be completed, it is important to know someone who can diagnose the problem and make the repairs.

Schedule Filter Changes

The entire volume of a home’s air passes the air filter 3 or 5 times per cooling cycle. The purpose of the filter is to remove airborne contaminants, and they do a superb job. Since they are so effective, they need to be changed often.

  • A dirty, clogged filter restricts the amount of air that can flow through the filter, and the air conditioner function requires a massive amount of airflow. A dirty filter prevents your air conditioner from cooling your home (and your furnace from heating your home).
  • The air filter is located close to the evaporator chamber, the area where humidity is removed from the home’s air. A dirty filter often results in higher humidity inside the home.
  • For most homes, changing the air filter every three months is the recommended procedure. If your home has extenuating circumstances that require a more frequent filter change—a dirt road or a nearby construction site—you will be in a position to know and make more frequent changes.
  • Locate the air filter at the base of the air handler closet, where the ductwork brings air from the home to the cabinet. Air filters are available at most hardware and do-it-yourself home improvement stores.

Clean the Condenser Unit

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called a condenser unit, and it also acts like a filter.

  • The walls of the condenser unit are a network of tubes and fins, containing hot refrigerant gas during cooling cycles. A large fan in the hollow center draws air through the network to cool the gas, but it also draws dirt, sticky pollen, and lawn debris, like grass clippings. The collection hinders the free flow of air through the condenser and needs to be cleaned away.
  • Before trying to clean the condenser, trip the breaker for the air conditioner. The condenser covers are attached with a few metal screws on each side. After removing the cover, use a garden hose to gently wash away the debris and dirt. Replace the covers and flip the breaker back to the ON position.
  • Make sure to trim shrubs and tall, ornamental grass at least 2 feet away from the condenser unit.

Get Your Katy Texas AC Ready for Summer: All Cool AC & Heating AC Maintenance Guide

All Cool AC & Heating AC maintenance professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.