Maintain Your Heating and Cooling in Kingston With This Simple AC Maintenance Checklist

For almost a century, Toshack has provided the best in heating and cooling service in Kingston and the surrounding areas.  Whenever you’re having trouble with your AC, we’ll be there to sort it out – quickly and professionally.

However, some of our calls are due to situations that could have been preventable.  Some basic maintenance and oversight of your AC unit can go a long way towards keeping the cold air blowing and avoiding unnecessary service calls. These are the most important things you should keep an eye on.

Seven Easy AC Maintenance Tips for Kingston Residents

1. Regularly replace your air filter

You should check the status of your AC air filter around once a month, and clean or replace it whenever it’s dirty.  In general, the standard 1” filter it should be replaced around every 2-3 months to keep your AC running well. This is vital to the proper functioning of your system and is something that you can do yourself. A premium 5” MERV 11 or 16 filter is normally replaced only once per year.

2. Clean the evaporator coils

The copper coils within your AC are where the condensation happens – and that’s what produces cold air.  If these coils get dirty, it reduces their efficiency.  Regularly cleaning them will ensure you’re getting the coldest air for your money and this is part of the Toshack annual performance tune-up.

3. Lubricate the fans

The fans inside your AC unit should be nearly silent, aside from the wind they’re blowing.  If you start hearing any sounds that they’re struggling with, add some oil to the moving parts.  That should keep them spinning freely. (Note: The wheel will automatically stop when the cabinet door is opened, as a safety measure.)

4. Check the drain hose and drain pan

A clogged drain hose or pan won’t cause your AC to stop working, but it will make a big mess.  Periodically checking for clogs, and cleaning them out, will prevent unwanted cleanup.

5. Periodically check your wiring

Keep an eye on the wiring.  It can be easily damaged or knocked out of place, especially if you have rats or similar pests in your basement.  Make sure all the connections are firm so that there’s no chance of electrical fire.

6. Verify the thermostat is working

It says the air temp matches your setting, but is that true?  Pull out a portable thermometer every now and then to make sure the thermostat is reading correctly.

7. Look for signs of clogged ducts

Is there a lot of dust or debris building up around your duct vents?  That’s a red flag that they need to be cleaned out by professionals. Cleaner vents will enhance the efficiency of your system, and in conjunction with a good filter, will enhance the overall air quality in your home.

Kingston Heating and Cooling Solutions

No matter the HVAC issue you are having, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Toshack for the best in Kingston heating and cooling services.