The average AC lives a hard life. It’s constantly exposed to temperature extremes, harsh weather, grime and debris buildup, and other rough conditions. Summers are especially difficult because the AC has to work extra hard to combat the sweltering temperatures.

Luckily, by taking a few precautions and sticking with an annual air conditioner maintenance schedule, you can prevent most air conditioner problems and keep your cooling system running like a charm throughout the sweltering summer days.

So how do you do this? How do you ensure your AC in Scottsdale and other Arizona communities operates correctly during the hottest season of the year? Read on to find out.

Why does my AC go out every summer?

As anyone who has experienced an Arizona summer first-hand will tell you, having a functioning air conditioner is a must if you live in the Grand Canyon State. Unfortunately, AC malfunctions are a common issue during the cooling season, and they can be an absolute nightmare to deal with.

Here are 4 ways to prevent AC-related problems this summer:

1. Check the filters

Dirty filters prevent airflow through the AC, forcing it to work harder or even making it completely unable to do its job. By replacing the filters regularly (or washing them, if they’re reusable) you’ll be making it easier for your AC to operate while also improving your indoor air quality.

2. Don’t close or obstruct air vents

Refrain from closing your air vents, as this can interfere with your AC’s operation. Also, make sure that there are at least 5-10 inches between the vents and any furniture, carpeting, clutter, and other items that may block the airflow.

3. Clear the area around the indoor and outdoor units

The exterior parts of your AC can get blocked by debris, dirt, shrubbery, and trash, so make sure to clear those out. Likewise, keep your interior AC components clean and make sure there’s enough clearance between them and nearby furniture.

4. Don’t skip the yearly maintenance

Having your AC serviced by a qualified technician is the single most important thing you can do to keep it healthy. Your HVAC expert will perform essential maintenance tasks you can’t do yourself and identify any issues. This will significantly decrease the risk of AC failure.

What should you set your air conditioner on in the summer?

According to the Department of Energy, setting your AC to 78 degrees Fahrenheit provides the optimal balance between comfort and energy conservation. However, this can vary widely depending on your property’s location and insulation, as well as the outside weather and your personal preferences.

As a rule of thumb, you should set your AC to the highest setting that isn’t uncomfortably warm for you and your family. If you’re used to low temperatures, you should start slowly increasing them to get your body accustomed to the new settings.

How do I set up an annual air conditioner maintenance schedule in Scottsdale & the area?

Are you looking for a dependable HVAC company in Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and other Arizona cities? If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Hughes Air. As a licensed HVAC contractor with nearly 10 years of industry presence, we are ideally equipped to meet all your HVAC repair, installation, and servicing needs.

Call us today if you’d like to schedule a consultation or request a free quote. Our technicians will quickly show up at your property and take care of your HVAC-related needs while you focus on your other obligations or spend a fun afternoon at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art with your friends and family.

Air conditioners are a lot like cars in that they’re both complex machines that contain numerous moving parts and are constantly exposed to bad weather, temperature fluctuations, dirt and dust buildup, and other harsh conditions.

As with cars, the only way to prevent the rough Arizona climate from causing costly damages to your cooling system is to ensure it receives regular servicing from qualified HVAC pros in Scottsdale and the area.

But how frequently should you service your AC, and what does a comprehensive air conditioner maintenance checklist include? Are there any measures you can take to keep your AC safe during the cooling season? Keep reading to find out.

What maintenance does an air conditioner need?

While homeowners are advised to give their cooling and heating systems a visual examination every now and then, there’s only so much they can do without specialized training and equipment.

Seasoned HVAC technicians know what to look for and how to examine components that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible without the relevant tools and expertise. More importantly, they know how to safely handle and dispose of AC refrigerant in a way that’s harmless to people, animals, and the environment.

A professional AC maintenance includes:

• Checking if the system contains the correct amount of refrigerant
• Checking for debris and dirt in the outdoor unit
• Testing for leaks by performing a pressurized system test using a leak detection device
• Checking the fans for signs of damage to the blades and motor
• Checking the filters and replacing them as needed (or cleaning them if they’re reusable)
• Removing and disposing excess refrigerant in an environmentally-friendly manner
• Checking for duct and seal leakage within the central AC system
• Checking if the amount of air flow through the evaporator coil is at correct levels
• Checking for clogs and obstructions in the condensate drain
• Verifying if the electric control sequence is correct, therefore preventing the cooling and heating systems from operating at the same time
• Inspecting, cleaning, and servicing the electric terminals
• Adjusting all the belts (if necessary) and checking for signs of wear
• Checking if there’s enough oil in the motors
• Checking the thermostat

How often should you have your air conditioner serviced?

A residential AC should be checked by a professional AC technician once a year. This is best done at the beginning of spring, as it enables you to catch and fix any problems before they can interfere with your AC’s operation during summer.

Spring is also a great time to replace old ACs with newer models that have superior efficiency ratings, as HVAC contractors are still nowhere near as busy as they usually are once the hot summer days really start to roll in.

Which AC service has a detailed air conditioner maintenance checklist in Scottsdale & the region?

Air conditioner maintenance is a professional service that requires specialized training and hands-on experience. That’s why you should always have your ACs serviced by a reputable HVAC contractor like Hughes Air that has the necessary tools and experience.

We repair, install, and maintain all types of HVAC systems, including:

• Central air conditioning
• Split air conditioning
• Nest thermostats
• Ductless air conditioning
• Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers of all types
• Indoor air quality systems
• Gas and electric water heaters
• Commercial HVAC units, and more.

In addition to the City of Scottsdale, we also serve many nearby communities, including Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and more. Reach out to us today if you want to book our services, or fill out our online form if you’d like to request a free estimate.