What Does A Standard Preseason 21 Point A/C Service Consist Of?

Does it really matter if when it’s over you still don’t know how well a system is running (how many btu’s a system is producing) or how much it cost to produce those btu’s?

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Inside

1. Check the location of the thermostat. The thermostat should be approximately 5 feet above floor level on an inside wall, not near a supply register, and not where the sun’s radiant heat affects it. The thermostat should be level, especially if it is a mercury bulb type. The hole in the wall where the thermostat wires enter should be sealed up to prevent wall drafts from reaching the thermostat.
2. Inspect the electrical wiring for missing insulation and brittle or discolored insulation. Replace as necessary.
3. Check all electrical connections for loose terminations. Also carefully check each electrical termination for signs of overheating and discoloration.
4. Make sure the filter is clean, the right size and type, and that it properly fits the filter rack.
5. Check the blower and blower motor for dirt and clean as necessary. The blower assembly must usually be removed and taken outside for proper cleaning. Even a small amount of dirt on the blades of a blower will decrease the airflow enough to make a difference in system operation.
6. Lubricate the blower motor as necessary. Use the proper oil (not a penetrating oil) and do not over-oil. Many blower motors have sealed bearings and are not to be oiled.
7. Inspect the evaporator coil for an accumulation of dust, dirt, lint, pet hair, or other accumulation and clean as necessary. I clean evaporators by first removing as much material as possible using a short stiff dog brush and then follow up with a suitable chemical evaporator cleaner spray. Follow the directions on the liquid evaporator cleaner bottle.
8. Inspect all accessible ductwork and connections for crushed or damaged ducts and leaking or separated connections.
9. Make sure all supply registers are open and not obstructed by rugs, furniture, or other objects. Do the same for the return grilles. Check the number and location of return grilles. Many homes do not have enough return grilles; they are too small and are poorly located.
10. Make sure all supply registers are open and not obstructed by rugs, furniture, or other objects. Do the same for the return grilles. Check the number and location of return grilles. Many homes do not have enough return grilles; they are too small and are poorly located.

Outside

11. Check for proper clearance between the condensing unit and the house.
12. Examine the condenser for dirt, leaves, cottonwood seeds, weeds, and any accumulation in general. Clean the coil even if it looks clean. Notice the amount of dirt that is washed out of even a clean looking coil.
13. Check the area for obstructions to the airflow through the condenser. Are trees or the overhang of the roof obstructing the upward airflow of the condenser discharge air? Are bushes or plants obstructing the intake of air to the condenser?
14. Check to see if the roof overhang allows rainwater or melting snow from the roof to drip directly onto the condensing unit.
15. Open the outdoor electrical section and clean out all cobwebs, insects, or other accumulation of dirt and dust.
16. Inspect the electrical wiring for missing insulation and brittle or discolored insulation. Replace as necessary.
17. Check all electrical connections for loose terminations. Also carefully check each electrical termination for signs of overheating and discoloration.
18. Carefully look over any run or start capacitors for signs of overheating.
19. Inspect the electrical contacts on the compressor contactor for discoloration, contact pitting, and excessive wear. Recommend a replacement if your inspection determines the contactor is ready for replacement.
20. Check for missing or deteriorated insulation on the suction line and replace as necessary.
21. Check the system charge using the correct method for the type of system and metering device used by the system.