AC Maintenance in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri

Your air conditioning system is an important part of your home. Not only does it work to keep your family comfortable, but it also works to control moisture levels in the home. As you know, moisture buildup can wreak havoc on all aspects of your home, including carpet, wood, drywall, and much more. But with the help of the right air conditioning system, you can get cool air and protect your home.

To help ensure that your AC system is working properly (and will for years to come), it is important to invest in regular HVAC maintenance. Learn more about the HVAC maintenance tasks you may be able to do yourself and when it is time to call the professionals.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. Catching problems right as they occur, such as clogged drain pipes, will also help to keep your monthly utility bills as low as possible so that you are also saving money throughout the year. Homeowners can fortunately perform many regular maintenance tasks to ensure that their systems work at maximum energy efficiency and keep potential HVAC repairs at bay for years to come.

Some great DIY air conditioner maintenance tips include:

• Changing the air filter regularly (at least once a month). When the air filter becomes clogged, it will actually disrupt the airflow and force your AC to work harder to keep the home at a constant temperature. This all means that you end up paying higher energy bills each month, your indoor air quality decreases, and you may have to replace your air conditioner sooner than anticipated.
• Cleaning the condensate drain lines and channels (as needed). Clogged drains can result in high humidity levels that can eventually damage walls and carpets (and overwork your cooling system, shortening its lifespan). Regular air conditioner maintenance will involve running a stiff wire brush through the various channels to relieve any clogs or blockages while the system is shut off.
• Keeping evaporator coils and condenser coils clean. You can help keep the coils clean by getting rid of dirt, leaves, shrubs, and other organic debris that may be located near the AC unit. Creating a two-foot barrier of empty space around the unit can help protect it from future clogging.

You should have a professional clean and inspect your AC system at least once a year; it's important to get a check-up even if you have a newly installed AC unit.

Spring is the best time to schedule an appointment because it means you can:

• Make sure that everything is in good working condition after a long winter.
• Ensure that your unit is ready to fire up when the heat hits the area.
• Schedule your appointment before a summertime rush.

The following are signs that something could be wrong with your AC system:

• Strange noises, particularly a buzzing sound, which could indicate a blockage, or a humming sound, which could indicate damaged flan blades or a struggling motor.
• A spike in utility bills, which can indicate that your air conditioner is probably working a lot harder than it should have to work.
• Airflow leaks around the AC unit
• Bad smells in or around the unit
• Trouble controlling indoor humidity levels

When it comes to other AC tune-up tasks besides changing the air filter or cleaning lines it is a good idea to call in professional air conditioning technicians. They will know exactly what to look for and be able to safely inspect, clean, and repair your indoor unit or outdoor air conditioner system.

Remember that doing your own repairs may void your warranty on the AC unit, so it is best to hire a professional if you think there is a problem.

If it's your first time hiring a professional HVAC company, you may be wondering what the entire process entails or what the HVAC expert will do.

Good AC technicians should have a full checklist of maintenance tasks and troubleshooting that they will work through, which can include:

• Checking the unit's refrigerant levels.
• Checking electrical connections.
• Oiling and/or lubing any moving parts.
• Inspecting belts for cracks or wear and tear.
• Inspecting and cleaning evaporator coils and condenser coils.
• Checking condenser and evaporator coils for damage.

You should receive a full inspection report on what your technician found and any repairs made.

Keep your HVAC system ready and prepared for incoming hot weather. Schedule your tune-up by calling (314) 209-7500 or (636) 926-0000 or by submitting an online request below.