Your Complete Kansas City Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Guide
This is Part Two of a two-part series on HVAC Maintenance.
Keep this article for the future to help you take care of the investments you make in your home. And if you missed Part One, read it! Maintaining your HVAC equipment ensures it is more efficient, saving you money and prolonging its lifespan.
Spring HVAC Maintenance. Preparing Your AC for Kansas City Heat
Spring is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning for the brutal Kansas City summer ahead. Taking care of these tasks in March or April means you won’t be scrambling when the first 90-degree day hits.
Homeowner Spring AC Maintenance Tasks
Replace or clean your air filter. This is the single most important thing you can do. Check your filter monthly during the cooling season. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to change 1-inch filters every month. For thicker 4-inch filters, change every 3-6 months depending on conditions.
Clean around your outdoor AC unit. Your outdoor condenser needs breathing room. Remove leaves, grass clippings, branches, and debris from around the unit. Trim back bushes and plants to maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. This simple step improves efficiency significantly.
Check your thermostat. Replace batteries if you have a battery-powered thermostat. Test that it’s switching between heating and cooling properly. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to maximize energy savings.
Clear drain lines. Your AC produces condensation that drains away through a small line. Pour a cup of vinegar down the condensate drain line to prevent clogs and algae growth. This prevents water damage and keeps humidity levels in check.
Inspect visible ductwork. Look for obvious gaps, disconnections, or damage in accessible ductwork in your basement or attic. Seal small gaps with mastic sealant or metal tape (not regular duct tape, which deteriorates).
What are the Professional Spring AC Maintenance Services
While homeowners can handle basic tasks, professional air conditioning maintenance in Kansas City provides deeper system care.
Refrigerant level check. Low refrigerant makes your AC work harder and cool less effectively. Technicians check levels and look for leaks that could indicate a problem.
Electrical connection inspection. Loose connections cause inefficient operation and pose a fire hazard. Professionals tighten connections and measure voltage and current.
Capacitor and contactor testing. These components fail frequently, especially in extreme heat. Replacing a worn capacitor before it fails prevents a complete breakdown.
Coil cleaning. Both indoor and outdoor evaporator coils and condenser coils accumulate dirt, reducing efficiency. Professional cleaning restores your system’s performance.
Blower motor and fan inspection. Technicians lubricate motors, check fan blades for damage, and ensure proper airflow throughout your system.
Schedule your professional AC tune-up in Kansas City during March or April, before the summer rush. You’ll often find better availability and, sometimes, spring discounts on maintenance services.
Summer HVAC Maintenance. Keeping Cool Through Kansas City’s Heat
Kansas City summers are tough on air conditioners. When temperatures climb into the 90s and 100s, and humidity is high, your AC runs almost constantly. Mid-summer maintenance helps ensure your system keeps running when you need it most.
Homeowner Summer AC Maintenance Tasks
Check your air filter monthly. Summer is when you use your AC the most, so filters get dirtier faster. Check every month and replace when you can’t see light through the filter material.
Monitor your thermostat settings. Resist the urge to set your thermostat too low. Every degree below 78°F increases your energy costs by about 3%. Use ceiling fans to feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings.
Keep vents clear. Make sure furniture, curtains, and other items aren’t blocking supply and return vents. Blocked vents force your system to work harder and can create pressure imbalances.
Listen for unusual sounds. Your AC should run relatively quietly. If you hear grinding, squealing, or banging sounds, turn off the system and call for service. These noises often signal problems that will get worse if ignored.
Watch for warm air. If your AC is running but blowing warm air, check your thermostat settings first, then your air filter. If those aren’t the problem, you need professional service.
Mid-Summer Professional AC Checks
If your AC hasn’t been maintained in the last year, mid-summer is still better than waiting until it breaks down completely. During a maintenance visit, a professional HVAC technician in Kansas City can identify:
Refrigerant leaks. These often show up as ice on the outdoor unit or reduced cooling capacity.
Dirty coils. Even during the cooling season, coils can be cleaned to restore efficiency.
Drainage problems. Clogged drain lines cause water damage. Technicians clear blockages and treat lines to prevent algae growth.
Airflow issues. Technicians measure airflow and diagnose problems with ducts, blowers, or system sizing.
Don’t wait for a complete breakdown. If you notice reduced cooling, higher energy bills, or strange noises, call for air conditioning service in Kansas City right away. Small problems caught early cost much less to fix than major failures.
Year-Round HVAC Maintenance. Best Practices for Kansas City Homeowners
Beyond seasonal tasks, year-round habits keep your HVAC system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Check and change air filters. This deserves repeating because it’s the single most important maintenance task. Check every month. Replace 1-inch filters every 1-3 months, thicker filters every 3-6 months.
Test your thermostat. Make sure it’s responding properly and maintaining your set temperature. Replace batteries annually in battery-powered thermostats.
Listen to your system. Familiarize yourself with the normal sounds of your HVAC system. New or unusual noises often provide early warning of developing problems.
Check for moisture. Water around your indoor unit, wet spots on walls or ceilings, or increased humidity indicate drainage problems that need attention.
Quarterly HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Inspect outdoor units. Every few months, check your outdoor AC or heat pump unit. Clear debris, check for damage, and ensure adequate clearance around the unit.
Test circuit breakers. Your HVAC system should have dedicated circuit breakers. Test them to ensure they trip and reset properly.
Inspect visible ductwork. Look for disconnected sections, damage, or excessive dust around connections. These indicate air leaks that reduce efficiency.
Check insulation. Inspect insulation on refrigerant lines and in accessible ductwork. Replace damaged insulation to maintain efficiency.
Annual Professional HVAC Maintenance in Kansas City
Professional maintenance twice a year—spring for AC, fall for heating—provides the best protection for your investment.
Comprehensive inspections. Technicians check components you can’t safely access, including electrical connections, refrigerant levels, and combustion systems.
Cleaning. Professional equipment cleans coils, blowers, and other components more thoroughly than homeowner cleaning.
Lubrication. Moving parts need proper lubrication to reduce wear and noise.
Testing. Technicians test system capacity, efficiency, and safety controls to catch problems early.
Documentation. Professional maintenance creates a service history that helps diagnose future problems and can increase resale value.
Steve’s Heating & Cooling offers maintenance plans that include annual tune-ups for both your heating and cooling systems, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs. These plans take the worry out of seasonal maintenance and help Kansas City homeowners protect their HVAC investment.
More Common Kansas City HVAC Maintenance Questions
What happens if I skip HVAC maintenance?
Skipping maintenance increases your risk of breakdowns, reduces system efficiency, raises energy bills, shortens equipment lifespan, and may void your manufacturer’s warranty. In Kansas City’s extreme climate, well-maintained systems last 15-20 years, while neglected systems often fail in 8-12 years.
When is the best time to schedule AC maintenance in Kansas City?
Schedule air conditioning maintenance in March or April, before summer heat arrives. You’ll find better technician availability, and any repairs needed can be completed before you depend on your AC daily. Avoid waiting until the first heat wave when HVAC companies are overwhelmed with service calls.
What’s included in professional HVAC maintenance?
Professional maintenance typically includes inspecting all major components; cleaning coils and blowers; testing electrical connections; checking refrigerant levels (AC); inspecting heat exchangers (furnaces); testing safety controls; lubricating motors; measuring system performance; and replacing air filters. Technicians also identify potential problems before they cause breakdowns.
How do I choose an HVAC maintenance provider in Kansas City?
Look for a licensed, insured company with a good local reputation. Check online reviews, ask for references, and verify they’re familiar with your equipment brand. Local companies often provide better service than national chains because they understand Kansas City’s climate challenges and building practices.
Are HVAC maintenance plans worth it?
Maintenance plans typically include scheduled tune-ups, priority scheduling, repair discounts, and extended warranties. If you’re committed to regular maintenance (which you should be), plans usually cost less than paying for individual services. They also ensure you don’t forget seasonal maintenance and provide peace of mind.
Steve’s Heating and Cooling is Kansas City’s go-to for all your air conditioning and furnace maintenance, repair, and installation. They are STILL locally owned and operated! They care about their customers and their experience. The techs are knowledgeable, friendly, and go above and beyond. Call or contact Steve’s at (816) 436-8475 to schedule maintenance, repair, or a new equipment quote today.
