Elite HVACS Heating & Air

Our Blog

Schedule Service or call us today 773.312.9090
11 minutes read

AC Maintenance, The Little Things Make a Big Difference

Published by Webmaster

NbQ4ha2MvfCoQQKnbDOWNCNyjhEFf4HRp9ERag8a-3.

AC Maintenance, The Little Things Make a Big Difference

The little things make a big difference. When it comes to AC maintenance, there are many of those “little” things that you should be taking care of on a regular basis – like cleaning the coils and filters. Your air conditioning system is only as good as its filter, so if you don’t clean the filter regularly, your air conditioner will not work efficiently. Air filters, in particular, need to be replaced often because they capture all the dirt and dust in your home or office space; this includes allergens like pollen. If left unchecked over time, this can lead to clogging up your air conditioner’s system which ultimately leads to expensive repairs down the line!

1. Change your air filter

2. Check and change the refrigerant level in the AC unit

3. Make sure that there is no water dripping on the outside of the AC unit

4. Clean up any leaves or dirt around your AC unit to keep it running efficiently 

5. Get an annual inspection for your system by a professional company

Change your air filter

It’s that time of year again where the air starts to feel a little more dry and dusty. Did you know that your air conditioner filter could be making this feeling worse? It’s recommended to change your filter every month, two months if you have pets! Air filters are important because they keep allergens from entering the home and can help reduce dust buildup on furniture. By changing your filter regularly, you’ll notice better indoor air quality and less sneezing. 

There are many different types of filters available for purchase but don’t worry we’ve got some tips for how to choose one so it fits your needs. You may also want to consider using a HEPA filter as these work great at removing allergens from the home.

Changing your air filter regularly is an easy way to make your home feel more comfortable and keep it looking great.

It’s important to change your filter regularly because of how often we turn on our ACs in this hot weather. Without a clean filter, you’re letting allergens get into your home which can lead to sneezing and coughing, not to mention feeling dusty! By changing out your old dirty filter with one that has a better efficiency rating will help reduce dust buildup on furniture as well as improving indoor air quality so you’ll notice fewer allergies or dryness from asthma symptoms like nose irritation and chest congestion. With many a new filter in place, you’ll be able to breathe easier and enjoy the feeling of cleanliness. It’s also important because when your air conditioner is working at its peak performance, it will last longer!

Check and change the refrigerant level in the AC unit

The heat is in full swing and it’s time to check the levels of refrigerant in your AC unit. It’s one of the most important parts to take care of when maintaining an air conditioning system, but there are a few things you should know before getting started. 

First, locate the condenser or compressor outside. Next, find where the liquid line (on older models) or high-pressure gas line connects to the unit. Then unscrew this fitting until it stops – don’t overdo it! Now use a sight glass or dipstick attached to these lines and measure how much refrigerant is left inside; if less than half remains, refill with as needed from a canister that matches your R22 refrigerant type (R134A, R407C, and so on).



It’s important to follow these steps every year during the summer months. Air conditioning maintenance is a necessity for keeping your system running smoothly all season long! Many of us are starting to see the first signs of summer and for some, that means it is time to turn on the AC. It’s a good idea to check your refrigerant level before you do.

Make sure that there is no water dripping on the outside of the AC unit

Many people are not aware that water dripping on the outside of an AC unit can cause a lot of damage to it. If water is allowed to drip onto the outer walls, then it will eventually make its way into the first layer and start corroding everything. This could lead to a lot of issues in the future like mold, mildew, or rust. So how do you know if there is any water leaking from your AC? Here are some common signs: 

-A strong musty smell coming from inside your air conditioner 

-Water spots on or around your AC unit 

-Any leaks seen through windows near where your AC unit is located 

-You notice condensation building up under your air conditioning system

-An excessive amount of water in your air conditioning unit

The best thing you can do for your AC is to have it periodically maintained. Air conditioners are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment and could use a tune-up every now and then, even if they don’t appear to be damaged. You should also clean the condenser coils at least twice per year as well because these will clog over time with dirt from outside or inside the dust.

Water dripping on the outside of your AC system is never a good sign. This can mean that there’s an issue with the evaporator coil and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent any bigger problems from occurring.

If your AC isn’t cooling properly, the first thing you should do is make sure that all of the filters are clean. If they’re clogged up with dirt and dust, this can be a major factor in poor performance. You may also want to check whether there’s low refrigerant or Freon levels as an issue that could result from leaks in the system or incorrectly set thermostat settings.

Clean up any leaves or dirt around your AC unit to keep it running efficiently 

The AC unit in your home is an important piece of equipment that you should not neglect. After all, it needs to be cleaned and maintained just like any other part of the house. One way to keep your system running efficiently is by cleaning up any leaves or dirt around the outside of the unit.

This will ensure that there are no blockages for when air passes through to cool down your room inside. Cleaning up around the condenser coil can also help with this problem as well if there is a lot of debris on top blocking airflow.

Clean dirt from around vents, coils, or filters with an appropriate cleaning solution. This will help ensure the airflow is efficient.

Change out dirty filters regularly. Filters should be changed every month. The weather is cooling off and leaves are falling from trees, making your yard look like a pile of dirt. It’s time to clear away the leaves that have fallen on the ground near your AC unit so that it can run efficiently. 

Keep outdoor units free of debris such as leaves or grass clippings which can cause problems like overloading circuits or blocking airflow pathways so it’s important to clean this area up at least once a week during the summer months.

Check ductwork for any leaks or holes as this could be an area of concern when it comes to air quality and energy bills. Air conditioning systems leak around their coils and in some cases, they have a hole between the outside coil and inside evaporator coil. When you notice a drop in your home’s cooling system performance then there may be a problem with one or more of these areas which need to be fixed immediately before other components can also start showing signs of wear.

Get an annual inspection for your system by a professional company

The best way to ensure your system is working properly and efficiently is by having an annual inspection performed. Not all homeowners are aware of this, but a professional company will come into your home and inspect the entire heating system from top to bottom

.

The service includes checking everything from the thermostat in the home to the pilot light on each boiler unit, as well as testing for any leaks or other problems with the heater itself. If you want to prevent costly repairs down the line that could cost thousands of dollars, an annual inspection is something every homeowner should commit to doing at least once a year. 

Annual inspection increased safety from potential hazards that could arise during the year.

The service includes checking everything from the thermostat in the home to the pilot light on each boiler unit, as well as testing for any leaks or other problems with the heater itself. If you want to prevent costly repairs down the line that could cost thousands of dollars, an annual inspection is something every homeowner should commit to doing at least once a year. 

Annual inspections also increase safety from potential hazards that could arise during these 12 months and help ensure your family stays safe while living in their own home. Air conditioning maintenance can be just one more thing homeowners do before they go on vacation again this summer!

It also ensures your system is operating at its highest efficiency, which saves you money in the long run! The cost for a professional company’s testing is minimal when compared to repairs or replacements down the road.

Back to Our Blog

Recent Posts

DIY vs Professional HVAC Repair: Which to Choose

When your HVAC system acts up, you want to fix it quickly so your home stays comfortable. Do you hire a professional or attempt these repairs yourself? Use this guide to learn what you can do to fix it and when to call the professionals. How to Repair HVAC System Using The DIY Approach Changing dirty air filters, cleaning air ducts, or troubleshooting the thermostat are simple tasks for handy homeowners. These minor fixes help improve your HVAC system's efficiency,...

Read More

Is AC Maintenance Worth It?

Living in Illinois means you’re always near warm weather. Even once temperatures begin to cool, there always seems to be hot days coming. Most likely, you’re still using your air conditioner to stay cool. If your AC unit runs fine, there’s probably no reason to have it looked at, right? Actually, regular maintenance is critical for preserving your cooling system, reducing your energy consumption, and lowering energy bills. Read this guide to learn about the importance of air conditioning maintenance...

Read More

Do Gas Furnaces Need Annual Maintenance?

Your gas furnace keeps your home warm and cozy during the chilly winter months. Therefore, you must schedule annual inspections to identify and address issues before the unit breaks down. Read this blog to learn more about annual furnace maintenance and why it’s essential for your HVAC system. Why Do Gas Furnaces Need Annual Maintenance? There are plenty of reasons why you should have your furnace inspected, including Efficiency: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside the furnace, clogging the...

Read More

Specials / Promos

Our Special
Offers

Our Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

icon

Great experience all around. From the email and phone call, confirmations etc. The whole group made me feel comfortable and confident that I had chose the right company to do business with. My A/C unit was turning on and off and Elite sent out a very knowledgeable and courteous technician to check, tune up, and recharge my refrigerant. Steve the technician was knowledgeable and walked me through the entire process and was very upfront with what I needed and didn't need. All went well they were on time and got the job done in a timely and professional manner. Customer for life and will refer them gladly.

Steven Mednis

Chicago, IL
icon

We contacted Elite HVACS on one of the hottest days of summer(we had no central air for 2weeks) and they sent some1 out same day to assess situation & decided to go with them for the work. I am happy to say that not only did we get the central air going but also replaced the heating unit which was old. Everyone we talked to from beginning to end were very professional, courteous and the work was very efficiently done. I would highly recommend this company.

Ada Rivera

Chicago, IL
icon

I have had Juan and others from the team over a few times now. They always arrive within the time window provided and provide solid work. Price has always been fair for anything they've performed maintenance on and was always discussed upfront before being work begins. I would recommend them to anyone in the area.

William Rickus

Chicago, IL