Why AC Maintenance Should Be On Everyone’s Spring Cleaning Checklist
It’s time again for homeowners to roll up their sleeves, get out the cleaning supplies, and tackle those chores that have been put on the back burner all year. Some people may use the opportunity to deep-clean their kitchen, others purge their garage of all the junk they never use, and some may have a laundry list of odd jobs and little cleaning tasks to take care of.
But there’s one part of the home that most people don’t usually think to put on their spring cleaning lists - the air conditioner! The home’s air conditioning system gets dirty over time, just like anything else. And when this happens, it can affect everything from energy efficiency to indoor air quality - so it’s always best to ensure the AC gets the attention it needs. And with summer just around the corner, there’s no better time than spring for air conditioner cleaning and maintenance!
A Clean AC Unit Means Better Cooling and Cleaner Air
A professional air conditioner servicing checklist includes various tasks that help improve performance and mitigate the effects of wear and tear. Naturally, replacing or cleaning the air filters is at the top of that list, as this will help maintain proper airflow and help capture airborne pollutants before they can get into the HVAC system.
Of course, even with clean air filters, a certain level of dirt will enter the system. This is why cleaning any dust and debris off the evaporator and condenser coils is vital. The evaporator coils capture heat energy from the indoor air, while the condenser coils release that heat into the outdoor air. When these coils get dirty, the heat transfer process is impaired, and the system’s performance and efficiency will suffer.
More dirt on the evaporator coils also means more dirt in the home’s air, so routine cleaning will help improve indoor air quality. In this vein, service technicians will also clean the condensate drain pan and drain line (responsible for removing condensation that accumulates on the evaporator coils during operation), as these can become breeding grounds for algae, bacteria, and mold if left unchecked.
Don’t Forget the Air Ducts!
Annual AC maintenance and cleaning can help improve indoor air quality, boost energy efficiency, and prevent undue wear & tear on the unit. However, homeowners should also consider air duct cleaning to get the most out of these benefits. Over time, dirt, dust, and other pollutants can accumulate inside the home’s ductwork. And more pollutants in the ducts mean more pollutants in the air and the AC unit itself.
In some cases, a home’s ductwork can accumulate so much debris that they become clogged or even become contaminated with mold, mildew, or vermin - which is bad news for air quality and system performance.
Fortunately, most homes won’t require air duct cleaning services more than every 3-5 years (typically only done as needed). But suppose homeowners aren’t sure when their ducts were last cleaned, or they notice signs of dirty ducts (heightened allergy symptoms, surfaces get dusty faster than normal, dust or debris on air registers, etc.). In that case, they should schedule a duct inspection with their trusted HVAC contractor.
Cleaner Home = Cleaner HVAC System
Between air conditioner tune-ups and professional duct cleaning services, homeowners can do their part to keep the HVAC system strong. Staying on top of air filter replacement (every 2-3 months for most homes) will help capture a large percentage of airborne pollutants. Still, reducing the overall volume of pollutants in the home is also a good idea. This can be done through regular old house cleaning!
Regularly dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming will help minimize the dust, dander, pollen, and other debris pulled into the HVAC return vent and circulated throughout the home. Homeowners should clean upholstery, curtains, ceiling fans, and lower-traffic areas, as dust and dust mites love to populate these spots.
By keeping the place clean and staying diligent about HVAC maintenance, homeowners can enjoy cooler, cleaner air all summer long - not to mention save a little money on cooling costs!
About City Plumbing
For over 20 years, the experts at City Plumbing have been handling Philadelphia’s HVAC and plumbing needs. With their reputation for speedy service, unbeatable workmanship, and outstanding customer care, it’s no surprise they’ve won numerous awards, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award and the BBB’s Torch Award for Ethics. They offer competitive up-front pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee - so there’s no one better to call for air conditioning maintenance in Philadelphia, PA!
