Spring has finally arrived, and with it is the much sought after warmer weather. However, before you turn on the thermostat, check off your AC Spring Checklist to make sure your system is functioning properly. Since you’ve been stuck home in the cold, with the heater cranked up high, this winter. The dry air not only affected your skin but it also gave time for your AC unit to gather dust. Be sure to follow a few simple steps to ensure that the air quality is pure and safe for your health before turning back on your AC unit.
Performing an AC spring checklist is essential to ensure that your AC is in proper working condition and keeps the air in your home or office healthy. To ensure a healthy AC system, the professionals at Service Now! Chatham Comfort Controls are here to clean and restore your system. We have been trusted in Chicago for over 15 years of experience to handle any of your HVAC problems. We even offer 24/7 Emergency AC Services. Spring cleaning is a wonderful time to schedule an AC maintenance service. Chatham Comfort Controls is here, give us a call at 773-842-4299 (Chicagoland) or 708-674-6313 (South Suburbs) so we can provide you with quality air.
Dangers of Dirty AC Units
During winter, it makes sense to let the maintenance of your AC unit go. Now that spring is here, a good cleaning of your system is helpful to ensure your system is efficiently functioning and delivering quality air. Neglecting the health of your AC unit can result in risks, such as:
Increased Energy Bills
One of the most obvious dangers of a dirty AC unit is a significant increase in your energy bills. When your AC unit is clogged with dirt and dust, it has to work harder to cool your space, leading to higher energy consumption. This not only affects your monthly bills but also puts more strain on your unit, shortening its lifespan and leading to more frequent breakdowns.
Contaminated Air
When your AC unit isn’t cleaned properly, it can lead to a buildup of dirt, bacteria, and mold. These contaminants can then be circulated throughout your indoor air, resulting in respiratory problems, allergies, and other illnesses. This is especially dangerous for young children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Fire Hazards
A dirty AC unit can lead to a higher risk of electrical fires. When the unit’s filter, coils, and other components are clogged with dirt and dust, it can cause overheating and electrical arcing, increasing the chances of a fire. This is a significant danger for homeowners, business owners, and renters alike, as it puts lives and property at risk.
Refrigerant Leaks
When your AC unit is dirty, it puts more stress on its refrigerant lines and other components, leading to leaks. Refrigerant leaks can cause your unit to stop working efficiently, leading to more energy consumption, higher bills, and eventually, a total breakdown of your AC system. Also, refrigerant leaks can be harmful to the environment.
Take care of your health, comfort, and environment and invest in AC maintenance before turning on the system for the spring and summer. Chatham Comfort Controls can fix any potential issues with your AC system with our AC maintenance services.
Shortened Lifespan of the AC Unit
A dirty AC unit can lead to a shorter lifespan of the entire system. When it’s not cleaned regularly, it puts more stress on the components, leading to more wear and tear. This can lead to a shorter lifespan of your AC system, meaning you’ll have to replace it sooner than you would if you’d maintained it properly.
Before turning it on and risking overuse of old parts, let the professionals deliver an AC tune-up with our cooling services so you can start fresh this season.
AC Spring Checklist
Here are a few steps to consider before turning on your AC system for the season:
1. Clean the Outdoor Unit
As your AC system sits idle for a long time during winters, it might collect dirt and debris. Therefore, it’s important to clean your AC unit regularly, especially before you switch it on during spring. Cleaning should be done both inside and outside of the unit. The outdoor unit can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris, which can affect its efficiency. Take the time to clean the unit, removing any debris that has accumulated over the winter months.
2. Change the Air Filters
Over time, air filters can become dirty and clogged, which reduces the efficiency of your unit. Replace your air filters at least every 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. If your filters are clogged, they decrease the airflow and can lead to AC malfunction. Changing your air filters can improve the air quality in your home and reduce strain on your air conditioning unit.
3. Inspect the and Clean Air Ducts
Inspecting the ductwork is an important part of your spring AC maintenance checklist. Over the winter, the ductwork can become damaged or clogged with dust and debris, which decreases the efficiency of your AC unit. Check for any leaks or damage to the ductwork. You may want to consider having a professional inspect your ductwork, to ensure that it is working efficiently.
Chatham Comfort Controls will happily clean your ductwork. We have the right tools and equipment to get the job done right!
Dust, dirt, and even mold can collect in your air ducts, allowing harmful particles to circulate through your home. A professional air duct cleaning service from Chatham Comfort Controls can remove even the most stubborn debris and improves the air quality in your home.
4. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is an important part of your air conditioning unit. Check your thermostat to ensure that it is working properly. Replace the batteries if necessary, and make sure that the settings are appropriate for the season. If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust it to reduce energy consumption during the day when you’re away from home.
5. Test the System
Before you are ready to switch on the AC, make sure to test the system slowly. Start by lowering the thermostat a few degrees lower than the current room temperature and give it time to adjust before lowering it further. Once you can confirm that the system is working well, you can switch to automatic settings for ease of use.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Schedule professional maintenance for your AC unit. A professional technician can inspect your unit and identify any issues that you may have missed. They can also clean and repair your unit to ensure that it is working efficiently. Spring is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance appointment, before the demands of summer take hold.
Chatham Comfort Controls is ready to provide repair, installation, or maintenance to your AC unit this spring!
Call for Service Now
Chatham Comfort Controls has over 15 years of experience restoring comfort in Chicagoans home or businesses. Our commitment to professionalism, affordable pricing, emergency services, regular maintenance agreements, and reliable customer support sets us apart from other HVAC service providers. Contact us today to schedule an AC cleaning or tune-up this spring and breathe easy!
