Is it just us, or did this winter in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL) seem to fly by? Spring is already here, which also means it’s time to start replacing our thoughts about staying warm to keeping cool.
March, April and parts of May are typically temperate enough to maintain moderate use of our HVAC. It’s also a perfect time for scheduling AC maintenance to make sure your AC is tip-top for the Illinois heat sure to arrive. You can arrange your inspection and tune-up well before the schedule fills with summer repairs and service visits!
As your local resource for air comfort and quality, we always like to contribute to your mind for AC maintenance with a review of how you can get more from your AC with less expense and energy use.
With that as our goal, let’s run through checklists of what you can do on behalf of your cooling system and how we can fine-tune your efforts.
Spring AC Maintenance: You
Even before you bring us in to be your late-inning maintenance closer, you can take your system well into the cooling game with a few steps of your own. The following checklist will help you get started on AC efficiency and prevention of heat-season breakdowns.
- Air filter. Check it. If it’s dirty or clogged, promptly replace it. If it still has some life left, check it again in a few weeks. A clean filter is vital for good airflow. You might also consider using a higher-quality filter for greater air quality and system efficiency.
- Outdoor unit. Remove debris such as leaves, dirt, twigs, branches and grass clippings from around the unit. For proper airflow, ensure there’s at least two feet of clearance around it. Also check for any damage to the fan blades or fins. Straighten any fins that are bent.
- Indoor unit. Vacuum dust around the indoor blower and the evaporator coil. Check for mold or mildew in or around the air handler.
- Air vents and registers. Dust and vacuum the supply and return vents often. Also check whether furniture and curtains might be blocking vents and restricting proper air circulation.
- Thermostat. First, check that the batteries are still fresh and the therm is set to cooling mode. Then use the therm to activate the system and confirm it’s working correctly. You can also inquire with us about the many advantages of upgrading to a smart thermostat.
- Condenser coil. A dirty coil will strain the cooling system and lower its efficiency. If you are comfortable with the task, clean the coil in the outdoor unit with a garden hose or coil cleaner. You can use either a hose or a coil cleaner to remove any dirt. If you have questions or need further assistance, just let us know at Air Dynamics.
- Drain line. A clogged drain line can cause water damage and mold or algae growth, so you want to keep the line clear. One do-it-yourself method is to pour a cup of vinegar mixed with warm water down the drain line.
- Air leaks. Leaks will let warm air enter your home and work against your air conditioning’s efforts. Check windows and doors for air leaks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Ceiling fans. Any ceiling fans can help reduce strain on your AC. To help circulate cool air in late spring and summer, set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise.
- Heat build-up. You most certainly want to avoid it. To minimize indoor heat gain, keep curtains and blinds closed during peak sunlight hours. Also try to plan to use heat-generating appliances such as ovens and dryers during cooler times of the day.
- System test. Run the AC early in spring to identify any issues before it gets too hot out. If you notice weak airflow, warm air from the vents, strange noises, or hot or cold spots in the home, be sure to call Air Dynamics.
Spring AC Maintenance: Air Dynamics
Annual maintenance with Air Dynamics provides your home cooling system with a top-to-bottom inspection guided by thorough knowledge and experience as well as a highly trained eye.
The following are core components of our professional AC maintenance for you in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield.
Full System and Electrical Inspection
- Check the thermostat for accuracy and correct function.
- Ensure proper operation of the blower motor and fan.
- Check the ducts for leaks, blockages or poor insulation.
- Inspect wiring, capacitor and contactor for any damage, wear or loose connections.
- Ensure the breaker and disconnect switch are in good condition.
Cleaning & Tune-Up
You may have already done some of the following. If so, we will double-check the item. We’ll also take care of everything else.
- Replace or clean the air filter.
- Clean the outdoor-unit condenser coil to support system efficiency.
- Clean the indoor-unit evaporator coil to prevent ice buildup and inefficiency.
- Flush and clear the condensate drain line to prevent water leaks and mold growth.
- Check and lubricate moving parts such as bearings and fan motors to reduce wear.
Refrigerant Check & Adjustment
- Measure refrigerant levels and recharge if needed.
- Inspect for refrigerant leaks, which can cause inefficient cooling and environmental hazards.
Performance Testing
- Test the startup cycle and shutoff process.
- Check for proper airflow and temperature output at vents.
- Ensure the system is not short-cycling (turning on and off too often).
- Monitor for unusual noises or vibrations that indicate mechanical issues.
Safety & Efficiency Enhancements
- Tighten electrical connections to prevent overheating.
- Ensure the compressor and fan motors are functioning optimally.
- Check safety controls that prevent system overheating and improper shut-down.
- If the AC is connected to a furnace, test for carbon monoxide leaks.
Once done with your AC maintenance, we will then:
- provide a detailed summary of your system inspection
- suggest any repairs or upgrades that may serve you
- offer energy-saving tips to improve efficiency
Spring AC Maintenance: Always Worth It
If you ever find yourself wondering whether an air conditioning inspection and tune-up is worth remembering, simply consider the following.
Regular AC maintenance can improve system efficiency by 5-15% (U.S. Department of Energy)
Cooling accounts for 48% of total summer energy use in the average Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield home (Energy.gov)
Proper maintenance can save homeowners $200–$500 per year on energy bills. (Energy Star)
About 50% of HVAC system failures are caused by insufficient maintenance. (Comfort Institute)
The average AC repair costs between $300 and $700; major repairs can exceed $1,500. (HomeAdvisor)
A well-maintained central AC unit can last 15–20 years; a neglected system may fail in 7–10 years. (ASHRAE)
Spring AC Maintenance: Contact Us Today
As service providers connected to the community, we care about the homes and neighborhoods we support. Your air comfort and quality really do mean something to us. To discuss or schedule your spring AC maintenance in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield (IL), just give us a call at (630) 731-1550!
