AC Health & Safety Checklist

Amidst Tucson’s scorching temperatures and dry conditions, your AC unit becomes a crucial component of your home. To ensure optimal performance–including your household's safety– let’s explore the key steps needed to keep your AC system in tip-top shape:

Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home cool and comfortable all year round, so consider this your go-to AC health and safety checklist.

Tucson's dusty environment means that air filters in your AC system can quickly accumulate debris, affecting its efficiency and air quality. This strain can lead to overheating, frozen coils, and an increased risk of breakdowns, disrupting your comfort during peak summer temperatures.

Regularly check and change the air filters every 1-3 months, especially during peak usage seasons. Ductless air filters should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks, especially if you have pets in the home. This simple step can significantly improve your AC's performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance indoor air quality.

Air filters are your first line of defense against dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles that can cause allergies and respiratory issues. If you notice your indoor air quality is poor, explore high-efficiency or HEPA filters for superior air filtration. Additionally, you might install UV lights to fend off mold spores and other harmful microorganisms. While they may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they can significantly enhance your indoor air quality and reduce strain on your AC system.

For further reading, you can also check out our blog, “Are UV Lights Good For HVAC Systems?”

The summer heat can be relentless in Tucson, but finding the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency is key. A good starting point is setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're at home. This temperature strikes a balance between staying cool and minimizing energy consumption. However, individual preferences may vary, so feel free to experiment and find what suits you best.

For bedtime or when you're away, consider raising the thermostat by 5-10°F. This can result in significant energy savings without compromising comfort. It's a myth that keeping your AC at a lower temperature cools your home faster; instead, it just makes your system work harder, consuming more energy.

If you've ever wondered about the ideal temperature setting or felt unsure about the energy savings associated with thermostat adjustments, consider upgrading to a “smart” programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures based on your schedule, optimizing comfort and efficiency.

For example, you can set it to raise the temperature when you're at work and lower it before you return home. This ensures comfort and maximizes energy savings by avoiding unnecessary cooling. Best of all, many modern programmable thermostats come with smart features that allow you to control your AC system remotely through a mobile app.

The outdoor unit of your AC system is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris. Regularly inspect and clean the unit, ensuring unobstructed airflow. Trim back any overgrown bushes, tall grass, weeds, and other vegetation around the outdoor unit to maintain at least two feet of clearance on all sides. This allows for proper ventilation and prevents the system from overworking in the Tucson heat.

Keeping the AC drain line clean is a must for Tucson homeowners wanting to keep their ACs running smoothly. When it's blocked, the condensation can't drain properly, leading to potential water damage and issues with your indoor humidity levels. Making a habit of giving the drain line a good cleaning helps avoid these issues, making sure the water drains properly. It might be a small task, but it makes a big difference in keeping your indoor space cool and comfortable.

Wondering how to clean your AC’s drain line? Check out our blog, “How to Clean an AC Drain Line.”

To ensure the longevity of your AC system and prevent potential issues, schedule annual professional maintenance with a qualified HVAC contractor. A qualified technician will perform a thorough inspection, clean critical components, and identify and address any potential problems before they escalate into major fixes (or worse, a full system replacement). Regular AC maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also improves its efficiency, saving you money on energy bills.

Better yet, consider joining a maintenance plan, such as our No Worries Residential Maintenance Plan. For one low monthly price, you’ll receive annual AC and heating tune-ups plus special perks like priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, preferred pricing on installations, and other money-saving benefits, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained HVAC system.

The desert environment can quickly cause dust and debris buildup in your AC's ductwork. Ensure your air ducts are inspected for leaks, blockages, or signs of wear. If there is significant build-up, having them professionally cleaned is well worth the investment. This not only improves the efficiency of your system but also contributes to better indoor air quality.

If your AC is more than 10 years old, you might consider upgrading your AC system to a more energy-efficient model. Newer systems are designed to meet higher efficiency standards, providing better performance while reducing energy consumption. In the long run, this can lead to significant cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint.

Adequate insulation helps keep the cool air in and the hot air out, contributing to energy efficiency and overall comfort. Check the insulation in your home, especially in attics and crawl spaces, to ensure it meets recommended standards. This can help to reduce the workload on your AC system.