Make sure your AC system is ready for the winter with a professional tune-up — call SM Mechanical Services at (860) 296-5100 today!
The fall season brings a change in weather. Although you might not use your air conditioner as much during the fall, performing fall AC maintenance can ensure it stays in immaculate condition until warm temperatures return. However, many Marlborough, CT, residents don’t know how to maintain their air conditioners during the fall, leaving the units susceptible to malfunctions and decay.
Fortunately, our SM Mechanical Services team is here to teach you how to maintain your air conditioning unit during the fall.
SM Mechanical Services is one of Marlborough, CT’s most trusted heating and cooling companies. Our team specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems of all makes and models, qualifying us for all your air conditioning needs. If you want first-class heating and cooling services in Marlborough, contact us at SM Mechanical Services.
How to Maintain an Air Conditioning Unit in the Fall
Performing yearly fall AC maintenance ensures your air conditioner stays in tip-top shape throughout the cold season. It preserves the unit’s integrity while extending its lifespan. Failing to keep up with your regular maintenance routine could cause the system to break down when spring and summer arrive, leaving your home hot and uncomfortable.
However, following the AC maintenance checklist below ensures your air conditioning unit is ready for the change in seasons.
Clear the Unit’s Pans and Drain Lines
Standing water within your AC unit’s pans and drain lines can cause numerous issues throughout the fall. For example, it leaves your system vulnerable to mildew and mold while attracting pests, vermin, and insects that use your unit for shelter, hindering its integrity and overall performance. Sitting water can also cause troublesome clogs and blockages during the spring (or whenever you turn on your unit for the first time), leading to leaks and other costly repairs.
Clearing your air conditioner’s pans and drain lines prevent pest infestations, mold growth, mildew, and clogging, ensuring it stays in excellent condition throughout the fall. Emptying the unit’s pans and drain lines also prevents water from freezing in extreme temperatures, avoiding leaks and drain line issues.
Clean the Coils
Dirty coils can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency. Dirt, grime, and debris accumulate on coils over time, reducing your unit’s performance while making it more prone to damage.
If you don’t clean the coils regularly, they can corrode and decay prematurely, causing your AC unit to break down. Dirty coils can also cause refrigerant leaks that can cost more than a pretty penny to fix. Thoroughly cleaning the coils during the fall helps prevent corrosion and preserve the unit’s integrity throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note that AC coils are exceedingly delicate and damage easily. They often require specific cleaning solutions and can expose you to potentially dangerous chemical and electric shocks. It’s best to contact a professional heating and cooling company like SM Mechanical Services to clean the coils and ensure optimal results.
Check Refrigerant Charge
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. It ensures the unit provides chilled, comfortable air to your home, no matter the outside weather. Inspecting the air conditioner’s refrigerant charge allows you to check for refrigerant leaks that could compromise the unit’s efficiency while skyrocketing your monthly utility bills.
Low refrigerant levels often indicate a leak. Always check for leaks and pooling liquids around the unit so you can identify and fix refrigerant leaks before they become a significant problem. If you don’t fix them swiftly, your air conditioner will blow hot air into your home once the temperature rises.
Examine the Pulleys and Belts
Pulleys and belts within your air conditioner can deteriorate and break down if they sit idly in cold weather for too long. They begin losing their rigidness, preventing your unit from functioning optimally during the spring and summer. Broken air conditioner belts and pulleys can cause numerous issues that could jeopardize your entire system.
Although you can evaluate your air conditioner’s belts and pulleys if you know what to look for, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Experienced technicians understand the ins and outs of an air conditioning unit and can replace any worn belts or pulleys affecting the system. Only perform these tasks if you have extensive experience fixing and maintaining air conditioning units.
Inspect the Ducts
Mold and bacteria often form in air ducts after humid and hot summers due to excess moisture buildup. The mold and bacteria can cause numerous health issues like respiratory problems and Sick Building Syndrome if you don’t remove the contaminants quickly.
Hiring a professional heating and cooling service to inspect your home’s ductwork can help you detect hazardous mold and bacteria before it becomes a significant issue. It also helps prevent various ailments and diseases, keeping you and your family healthy.
Most HVAC maintenance companies offer professional ductwork inspection and will ensure your home’s ducts are contaminant-free for a modest price. They examine every inch of your air ducts and help eliminate any pollutants tainting the system. If they don’t offer mold removal services, they can help you find a reliable mold remediation company to eradicate the contaminants.
Call our SM Mechanical Service team for high-quality air duct inspection and associated services. We can handle all your duct inspection and fall AC maintenance needs at a price that fits your budget.
Contact SM Mechanical Service for All Your Fall AC Maintenance Needs in Marlborough, CT
SM Mechanical Service is Marlborough, CT’s premier heating and cooling company. Our fall AC maintenance service can ensure your air conditioner remains in optimal condition throughout the season while enhancing its performance and longevity. Whether you need help changing your outdoor units’ air filters or want to read about dampers and their function in an AC system, SM Mechanical Services is here to help.
Contact our experts at SM Mechanical Services at (860) 296-5100 and see what our heating and cooling specialists can do for you today!