Spring AC Maintenance Checklist for Tri-Valley Homeowners
Get your air conditioner ready for summer with this maintenance checklist. What to do yourself and when to call a professional.
Spring is the ideal time to prepare your AC for the demanding Tri-Valley summer. Here is what you can do yourself and what requires a professional.
DIY Maintenance
Replace or clean the air filter. Turn on the AC for a test run -- listen for unusual noises and verify it cools within 15-20 minutes. Clear debris, leaves, and vegetation from around the outdoor condenser unit, maintaining 2 feet of clearance. Check that all supply and return vents inside are open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Replace thermostat batteries if applicable.
Professional Tune-Up
A professional spring AC tune-up covers what homeowners can not safely do themselves: checking refrigerant charge and pressures, cleaning the evaporator coil, cleaning the condenser coil thoroughly, testing capacitor strength, measuring blower motor amp draw, inspecting electrical connections and tightening as needed, clearing and treating the condensate drain line, calibrating the thermostat, and testing overall system operation through a complete cooling cycle.
When to Schedule
March or April is ideal -- before the spring rush of service calls. By May, most HVAC companies are booked solid and wait times for non-emergency appointments stretch out. Getting your tune-up early means any issues found can be addressed before you actually need the AC.
Call PCG Climate at (916) 299-7778 or book online to schedule your spring AC tune-up.
Need Help?
PCG Climate provides professional HVAC, electrical, water heater, and appliance repair services across Pleasanton and the East Bay.