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April 30, 2024

Preventative AC Maintenance Checklist

April 30, 2024

Preventative AC Maintenance Checklist

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This holds especially true when it comes to your air conditioner.

Regular HVAC maintenance can prevent an uncomfortable and even dangerous breakdown in the middle of an August heatwave. What’s more, it can save you money on emergency repair costs and monthly energy bills. 

The best time to ensure your AC unit is up to snuff is before the heat hits — but the second-best time is now. So where do you start? In this post, we cover the most important tasks for any AC maintenance checklist.

Replace Filters Regularly

Perhaps the most essential part of air conditioner care is regularly replacing your filters. Dirty or clogged air filters can wreak all sorts of havoc, including the following:

  • Restricting airflow, which lowers the cooling capacity of your system 
  • Reducing efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption
  • Lowering air quality, allowing more dust, pollen, and mold to circulate
  • Increasing wear and tear, causing more frequent breakdowns

As a general rule, experts recommend checking and replacing air filters every one to three months. You may need to change yours more or less often, depending on factors like the following:

  • The number of people in your household
  • Whether you have pets
  • Where you live (for example, polluted or dusty areas may require more frequent changes)
  • The age of your HVAC system and equipment
  • Whether anyone in the home has allergies or other respiratory conditions
  • How often you use your AC and your home (for example, vacation houses may need less frequent changes)

Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Your AC unit works by circulating refrigerant throughout the system. Indoors, the refrigerant in evaporator coils absorbs the heat from the air. Outdoors, a fan blows over the coils to release the heat from the refrigerant. If either of these coils gets dirty, it can impair heat transfer, reduce cooling efficiency, and increase energy consumption.

As part of your cooling system upkeep, you should clear leaves and other debris from the condenser unit outside. While you can also clean the evaporator coils yourself, that is not always as simple. Indoor coils are attached to a furnace and may be located in a basement, crawlspace, or attic.

Professional AC technicians have the tools and expertise to clean your coils without damaging them. You can ensure optimal performance by scheduling annual AC tune-ups, which may include the following: 

  • Cleaning dirt, debris, and blockages from the coils
  • Inspecting for holes, bends, and cracks
  • Checking for refrigerant leaks
  • Acid-washing particularly dirty coils

Inspect and Clean Air Ducts

While refrigerant flows through your AC system’s coils, air flows through ducts in your walls and ceilings. Dust, debris, pet hair, pollen, and other contaminants accumulate inside your ductwork over time. As dirt builds up, you may experience reduced airflow, poor indoor air quality, and higher utility costs.

You can reduce the amount of debris in your ductwork by reducing clutter in your home, vacuuming floor vents every six months, and changing air filters according to manufacturer guidelines. 

Every three to five years, you should also schedule a professional duct cleaning service to ensure the efficient operation of your HVAC system. You may want to call for service sooner if you notice air leaks, torn pieces, spots of mold, damp areas, large amounts of debris, or eroded duct tape in or around your ductwork.

Certified HVAC specialists will do the following:

  • Inspect your air ducts for leaks, blockages, and proper seals
  • Use a powerful HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean your ductwork, as well as other important components like your evaporator coil, blower, and vent covers
  • Blow compressed air through your AC system to eliminate all traces of dirt and dust
  • Clean all of your vents

Check and Calibrate Thermostat

Another key climate control maintenance task is calibrating your thermostat. Even if all your AC components are well maintained, a faulty thermostat can cause the system to malfunction. Calibration issues can produce erratic cooling cycles, inconsistent temperatures, and higher energy bills.

To check the calibration, simply tape an accurate thermometer next to your home’s thermostat. After 15 minutes, compare the temperature readings on each device. If they vary by more than three degrees, it may be time to call for professional air conditioning service.  

Schedule Annual Professional AC Maintenance

There are many tasks you can and should do as a homeowner to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. However, these are no substitute for scheduling annual professional AC maintenance. Besides the items on the checklist above, licensed technicians will assess the following: 

  • Refrigerant — Inspect refrigerant lines, check refrigerant levels, and test for leaks
  • Condensate drains — Inspect drain lines and pans for debris and cracks to prevent water backups
  • Electrical — Inspect electrical wiring, tighten all connections, and check for exposed wires
  • Lubrication — Lubricate all moving parts, including motors and bearings where needed
  • The system controls — Ensure your AC is starting, cycling, and turning off properly
  • AC leveling — Make sure the ground hasn’t shifted beneath your outdoor unit, causing it to break or disconnect
  • Supply/return differential — Ensure the temperature difference between supply and return vents is within the ideal range
  • Motors — Inspect and test the compressor, condenser, and blower motors for wear and tear and proper operation

Expert AC maintenance can help keep your system operating at maximum capacity while preventing unexpected breakdowns. In addition, it can save you on both repair costs and energy bills.

A bonus? It may help you maintain your warranty. Many HVAC units come with a manufacturer’s warranty in case parts don’t last as long as they should. However, the fine print often includes a requirement to have your unit serviced annually by a professional HVAC technician.

Want Expert HVAC Help? Contact Comfort Squad Today!

Whether you’ve reached the end of your DIY AC maintenance checklist or you’d rather leave it all to the pros, contact Comfort Squad today. We are ready to handle all your HVAC needs in the greater Houston area.

From AC maintenance and repair to furnace replacement and home energy audits, we can do it all! Call us today at 281-908-2100 to schedule service. 


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Comfort Squad

Heating & Cooling


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Antonio B.
1738603599
Joseph was my technician and he was excellent! He is very professional and very thorough. He explained to me how my air conditioning works and the system condition itself. I am going to get some work done to get my system back into new condition and to never have problems with mold again. Thank you Joseph and comfort squad for coming out today!
Kash K
1738364394
Joseph is cool and very professional
Timothy L
1738349864
Joseph was my technician and he came out and did my maintenance tune up. He was very professional and explained everything very thoroughly. Thank you comfort squad for coming out and helping me.
Rickey T.
1737661464
Thank you so much to comfort squad! I am getting my attic fully renovated with new insulation and decking! The person who came out here today went far and beyond to help with today's service. Joseph Le came out here and was very professional, he was wonderful to have over and was just a great guy to have! Thank you comfort squad for helping me today!
Georgina A.
1737395323
Comfort squad was so great to have! Joseph came out and explained everything professionally and thoroughly! I am looking to possibly get a new system and he talked and explained everything to me! Thank you to comfort for coming and for doing my heating tune up.
Doris O.
1737388007
Joseph did my yearly check up and he was wonderful to have! He explained everything to me and recommended what i should do as far as the condition of the unit. He really explained everything thoroughly and professionally. Thank you comfort squad for coming out and helping me today.
jacki H.
1737310630
Excellent! The guys were very professional. Had a whole unit replaced in 1 day. Exceeded my expectations, respected property, and left it better than before. Definitely will use for preventative maintenance and any service that maybe needed
william R.
1737155759
Joseph was wonderful to have! He explained everything thoroughly and was very professional! I'm getting some work done for my home and he help me with the whole process! Thank you comfort squad for coming out and helping me!
Erin C.
1737149385
Joseph came out and did my tune up. He explained everything to me and was very professional. Thank you comfort squad for helping me today!
J M
1737139383
Joseph was great very informative.
Clovis M.
1736871864
Joseph did a great job
Doris D.
1736353270
Joseph was out tech and he was very kind, patient and knowledgeable.....very likeable!!
Veronica W.
1736191776
I’m so grateful for the expertise and kindness of the whole Comfort Swuad team. From the first call for service to the comfort of excellent service and outcome. I couldn’t be more satisfied and will be recommending them to everyone close to me. Thank you very much.
Alejandro G.
1735874183
Great professional group. Finished job in one day.
Debbie I.
1735585284
Joseph came out and did my maintenance. He explained everything and it was a delight to have him out here. Thank you Joseph and Comfort Squad!
Norma
1735582648
Joseph came out and did my maintenance check up. He was wonderful to have! If you guys need anything for your HVAC needs, don't hesitate to call comfort squad! They will always help out and get you cooling!
Noemy T.
1735579498
Joseph installed our air purifier. He was very professional and provided quick service.
Rebecca H.
1735325416
Joseph was AMAZING! He answered every question my husband threw at him with grace and was the sweetest human ever!Joseph helped us change our UV light! He made sure we had the right one and was extremely helpful!
John T.
1735317514
They always on time and explain everything going on with system.joseph was really helpful.
Keith G.
1735245099
Complete system replacement including duct work. Great price and customer service. Carlos and his crew were extremely professional and did a quick clean installation. Called Monday and new unit I talked by Wednesday afternoon. Recent upgrade for air purifying system as well as insulation upgrade. Joseph Lee was great walking me through the options and process.Carlos Puente and crew were great with the install and was very careful in the house. Great company and people.ThanksKeith Gaedchens
Rolled B.
1734983321
Joseph did a good job and was thorough
Ronald K.
1734796207
Joesph did a great job. Very professional
Richard H.
1734711526
Joseph was outstanding and did an awesome job.He come out again and did an amazing job
Alejandro Flores P.
1734627722
Joseph did an excellent job going over our system and explained everything with a lot of detail. Great man. Very professional and efficient getting the job done. We’re very responsive and attentive since the initial call.
Jackie W.
1734622436
Joseph was really great did the service and explained the estimates for us
Erich O.
1734551900
Joseph provided great service today for our seasonal tune up.
Stacy N.
1734364266
Joseph from comfort squad came out and did my maintenance. He was wonderful and great! He did an excellent job of explaining everything to me. Thank you so much!
Susan A.
1734065290
Carlos and Joseph were great, such a nice young men. He and Joseph our inspector explained everything very thoroughly, listened to and addressed all of our concerns. Carlos and his crew removed the old ducts and installed our new ducts and purification system. They took care of our home and property like their own. He took great care of us. We will be referring Comfort Squard to anyone who needs them.
Stephen M.
1733774590
Joseph did a quick and thorough job. I would always recommend Comfort Squad.
Angel E.
1733768779
Good work very helpful.
Rosario B.
1733506774
Joseph was amazing and informative! Highly recommend him.
margaret J.
1733243238
Joseph was our tech guy. He was very informative of the product he installed, which was a particular air filter. We are pleased with his customer service.
Orlando G.
1733166945
Everything went well with Joseph thanks .
Albert Loves M.
1733159845
Joseph is well knowledgeable A/C technician.
Nemo N.
1732654376
Outstanding service! Very polite and professional and knowledgeable.
Mobile D.
1732639260
Joseph came to our home and did a great job with excellent customer service and customer support didn’t have any issues would recommend
Paco T.
1732562423
Joseph.. thanks for all of the information provided. And your professionalism .
Andrea V.
1732557104
Joseph was great and helpful with my needs.
Rosa G.
1732389422
Joseph explained the job he did and gave us detailed information about products that will help preserve our equipment while protecting us from spreading of virus through the system. Excellent job.
Ojay G.
1732389222
Joseph did a great job explaining issues he noticed during his service call and explained the options very clearly.
Guadalupe S.
1732383253
Joseph is very professional and he explained everything to me. U want to say thank you si much especially to him from being very caring and organized. Thank you comfort squad for everything you've done for me.
Kiani M
1732374900
Joseph did a great job on explaining everything to me! Very professional and organized about everything he does! Thank you comfort squad for coming out and helping me.
Christina V.
1732306735
Joseph was wonderful and thoroughly explained everything! Thank you so much for the great service! Highly recommend Comfort squad and Joseph!
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