Summer A/C Maintenance Checklist

Any time your tenants come home after a hot day, they expect the air conditioner to have their home cooled. Then one day, it stops working, creating a terrible problem for you and your tenants. The best way to avoid this issue is to follow our summer A/C maintenance checklist.

This checklist will ensure your unit remains in proper working condition, keeping your tenants cool as the temperatures rise.

Turn the Unit Off

It's essential to practice safety first whenever you work on any electrical appliance. So turning the power off your air conditioning system at the control box should be on top of your list. This vital part of your checklist will protect you against accidents and provide peace of mind while you check on your unit.

Inspect the Unit Panels

The condenser unit is located outside of the building. First, inspect the panels for any signs of damage or missing pieces. When you complete the inspection, reattach them. If unsure how to complete this step, contact a qualified A/C technician.

Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Summer A/C maintenance includes cleaning the evaporator and condenser coil. Condenser coils are a part of the outdoor unit, and the evaporator coils are on the indoor portion.

Using a soft brush with a wet/dry vacuum, clean the A/C system's outdoor component, then spray it with a garden hose. When ready to clean the evaporator coils, use a soft brush again.

Remove Shrubs and Debris

Trimming away branches within two feet of your air conditioner will keep dead leaves from finding their way inside the unit. Remove other debris that can block the flow of the air.

Change the Air Filter

Replacing the filter every three months is crucial to the quality of the air your tenants breathe. Clean filters also prevent the A/C unit from struggling to keep the home cool when it's boiling outside. So it's a good idea to remind your tenants to change the filter every season — or offer to do it yourself.

Inspect Drainage Lines

Dirt, algae, and other debris can collect and form a coating inside the drain lines, leading to a blockage. This blockage affects the overall performance of your air conditioner.

You can use a rag to remove any standing water and dirt from the drain pan, then use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the blockage. Next, take a thin, flexible brush to clean the drain pipe inside, and finish by running vinegar through it to kill any lingering algae.

Restore the Power

After you clean the A/C components and see that everything looks good, restore power to your air conditioner. Let it run for about an hour to feel whether cold air is flowing through the building. If so, you've completed your summer A/C maintenance checklist!

Schedule a Professional A/C Inspection

There are some routine summer A/C maintenance tasks you can complete on your own. However, a professional A/C inspection will uncover hidden defects in the system. This allows you to resolve problems before they escalate to more significant issues.

During an A/C inspection, technicians may complete the following tasks:

• Lubricate moving parts
• Clean essential components
• Refill refrigerant
• Check electrical connections

Hiring a property manager to schedule A/C inspections and other upkeep for your rental property will free you up for more important tasks. Contact AMG Props to learn more about our property management services.