When summer arrives and the days begin growing longer and hotter, homeowners are once again reminded of just how important air conditioning is to the comfort and well-being of their families.

If your equipment isn't properly maintained, it is more likely to become damaged and break down at the worst possible time, such as when you are entertaining guests or relatives who have come into town for a summer visit.

An improperly maintained AC system will not work as efficiently, which means that you can expect to see higher electric utility bills. In fact, one way homeowners discover something is wrong with their air conditioning is when they notice that their electric bills seem to be much higher even though they have kept the thermostat set the same way it was during the previous summer.

Maintaining a modern AC system is a job best left to seasoned professionals. You have to deal with heavy, complicated equipment and electrical systems, and if you don't have a full understanding of what's involved in keeping HVAC systems functioning properly, you could easily damage components, which will result in a more expensive service call.

In order to get the best out of your AC equipment, you will want to ensure that it is maintained on a regular basis by a qualified HVAC professional, such as the knowledgeable technicians at David Gray Heating & Air.

What Happens During a Typical Maintenance Call?

A technician will make a thorough inspection of your air conditioning system.

One of the most crucial things to look at during maintenance is the AC filter. Reusable filters must be removed, cleaned, dried off and then put back in place. Paying attention to your AC filters should be a high priority because when a filter is dirty or clogged with debris, airflow can become severely restricted. Not only will impaired airflow lead to the system running less efficiently, you can expect that it will cause excessive wear and tear on the equipment which can lead to malfunctions.

The technician will examine the outdoor condensing unit, making sure to remove fallen leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris if you haven't done so already manually and by spraying water from a garden hose. He or she will need to check out the condensate drain to verify that it is removing any excess liquid.

The AC system's evaporator coil can collect dust and dirt during the normal course of operation, so the technician will need to inspect it and clean it.

Maintenance also will involve checking the electrical components to make sure they are working properly. It's important to find out whether the motor parts are properly lubricated for optimal performance. What's more, the technician will need to verify the level of refrigerant in your AC system, to see whether any of it has leaked out and needs replenishment.

The David Gray HVAC Standard Preventative Maintenance Plan includes:

If it's been a while since you last had a professionally trained expert come to your home to inspect and perform regular maintenance of your air conditioning system, you will not want to delay any further. In fact, you will want to put a note in your calendar to remind you to call for this vital service once each year. For fast, friendly and reliable service for all your air conditioning needs in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area, please feel free to contact David Gray Heating & Air today or visit online at www.davidgrayheatingandair.com.