Get Ready for the Heat: 4 Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer
In the Washington D.C. area, summer isn’t just warm—it’s a season of high heat and humidity. The last thing any homeowner wants is for their air conditioner to fail during a heatwave. The key to a cool and comfortable summer is proactive HVAC maintenance.
By performing a few simple tasks in the spring, you can improve your system’s efficiency, lower your energy bills, and prevent costly emergency breakdowns.
1. Change Your Air Filters
This is the easiest and most important maintenance task. A clogged air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, which wastes energy and puts stress on its components.
What to do: Check your filter monthly and replace it at least every 90 days. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to change it more frequently.
2. Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from your home. It needs clear airflow to work properly.
What to do: Remove any leaves, grass clippings, weeds, or other debris from around the unit. Trim back bushes or branches to create at least two feet of clear space on all sides. Gently hose down the exterior fins to remove dirt and dust.
3. Check and Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, which is drained away through a condensate line. If this line gets clogged with algae or debris, water can back up and cause water damage inside your home.
What to do: Locate the drain line (usually a PVC pipe near your indoor unit). If you see standing water, you may have a clog that needs to be cleared by a professional.
4. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
While the DIY steps above are helpful, they are not a substitute for a professional inspection. An annual tune-up is the best way to ensure your system is safe, efficient, and ready for summer.
During a tune-up, a technician will:
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean and inspect internal components
- Test electrical connections
- Lubricate moving parts
- Ensure the system is running at peak performance
Don’t Sweat It—Call Appliance Surgeon
A professional tune-up from Appliance Surgeon is the ultimate peace of mind. Our licensed HVAC technicians will catch small problems before they become major breakdowns, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably all summer long.
Schedule your pre-season HVAC maintenance with Appliance Surgeon today and stay cool when it counts.
