“Did you make a list?”

This is a question my mother always asked me if I was preparing for something big or even just trying to get through a busy day. If the answer was yes, those things usually went a lot smoother.

While lists help us stay focused and organized, they also help us predict and prevent problems.

As we move into the spring and summer, our HVAC system, particularly the AC unit, is the last area we want problems to arise.

With troubleshooting in mind, please go through our HVAC system maintenance checklist for spring and summer and see what preventative measures you can take to stay cool and comfortable:

1. Change your filter.

We’ve highlighted this piece of advice before, and we’ll do it again because it is (unfortunately) a pervasive issue.

As the weather turns warmer, many homeowners turn on their AC without checking their unit’s filter.

There can be dirt, dust, and debris build-up after a long winter season. Many people don’t realize this, and then their HVAC unit malfunctions because of something as simple as a dirty filter. If at all possible, we’d like to save you from the headache and expense of a maintenance visit.

Put simply: the first time you turn on your AC unit, please change the air filter. It can prevent some unit issues right away.

The climate in the Gaithersburg, MD, and the surrounding areas can quickly vary this time of year (sometimes from 50 to 80 degrees); your AC needs to be ready to handle this, meaning you need a clean filter.

For more helpful tips and tricks on air filters, check out our article here.

2. Set that thermostat.

This tip is also for a very common issue. Please make sure your thermostat is programmed to the right setting.

Setting this correctly may seem obvious, but we’re here to tell you that we’ve seen many AC unit malfunctions come from missing this easy-to-forget task.

During the spring months, we recommend your thermostat be set at “auto” and then be moved to “cooling” for the summer.

If you’re having issues with your thermostat settings or unit output, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (301) 569-7993. We’ll be happy to assist you with making sure your AC unit is ready for the summer heat.

Also, check out our quick guide to thermostats here.

3. Remove your unit cover and any debris around it.

For this one, you’ll most likely need to head outside for a little inspection.

First, some homeowners leave a canvas or plastic cover on to protect the unit in the winter months.

This can be a helpful practice, but if your thermostat setting is moved to “auto” or “cooling” for the warmer months and the cover isn’t removed, it can cause some serious damage, such as overheating and over-pressurization.

So just a friendly reminder, remove that cover for the spring and summer.

Also, check for any branches, bushes, or leaves that might have piled on or around your unit. Remove those and make sure there’s no damage.

Cleaning your outside (condenser) coil can also help get your AC unit ready for the season. A water hose should do the trick and wash away any grime build-up on the coils.

Warning: please do not use pressurized water to clean the coil as it can cause damage.

If you’re not comfortable cleaning the coil yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our technicians can quickly take care of that for you.

4. Check for these common issues

Here are a few widespread AC unit malfunctions our team commonly sees this time of year

Attic fan

• This type of issue doesn’t happen as often as others, but it can be costly to fix. Make sure the attic fan is turned on, and the setting is to “cooling.” If you’re having issues check out this helpful troubleshooting video.

AC condensate drain line

• The drain line is an important component of your unit because it directly carries excess condensation from your air conditioner to the outside of your home. If the drain is blocked, not properly connected, or damaged, you can experience leaks and, in extreme cases, flooding. While this drain is essential, it can sometimes be difficult to locate the blockage, let us know if you’d like it checked, and we’ll inspect it for you.

Manual dampers

• Many homeowners don’t realize their unit is equipped with a balancing damper. These mechanisms are typically located in your ducts and can be adjusted to allow or block airflow from your AC or heating system. They are often labeled “summer” or “winter” and can be easily switched to the right season. If you’re having an issue with switching these dampers correctly, give us a call at (301) 560-7993, and we’ll get your damper in the right position to help your AC unit distribute the cool air effectively in your home.

5. Schedule your maintenance inspection.

This is a great way to check off all the other items on this list confidently. We can inspect your unit and make sure it’s ready to help you beat the coming heat.

Are you worried your unit may have some issues that need to be addressed immediately? Don’t wait, beat the rush and schedule your service appointment now!

Ready for Spring and Summer?

Rod Miller offers preventative maintenance to keep your home cool all through the warm months. A broken AC unit can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Preventive maintenance is a simple way to avoid that; that’s why we created this checklist. In order to better serve our customers, we also utilize service agreements.

Our residential service agreement includes two checkups a year, in the Fall and Summer, just before the seasons when you need your HVAC system working at its best. You’ll also receive full testing on all system components, priority scheduling, no overtime rates, and 10% off any part your system needs.

Without a Service Agreement, you‘ll pay more over time as breakdowns occur. With a Service Agreement, you’ll save money and gain peace of mind.

And we will never sell you a solution you don’t need. We will only recommend services to keep your HVAC systems working the way you need them to.

If you want to make sure that a broken AC system doesn’t become another problem you have to deal with, learn more about our service agreements. If you think it could be a good fit for your home, get in touch with us today.