California Residents Provided AC Maintenance Tips to Help Ensure a Comfortable Indoor Environment and Superior Air Quality

Just a few weeks into the hot summer season and most residents of California have had their air conditioners running in their homes and offices for some time already. A properly functioning central air conditioner provides a comfortable indoor environment for building occupants and depending on where people live, air conditioning could be an absolute necessity this time of year.

Maintaining the air conditioner is an important step to ensure it works properly, efficiently and provides good indoor air quality (IAQ). In addition to providing cool air and ventilation, air conditioners help to remove excessive humidity from the air which can help prevent the growth of mold and the presence of dust mites. Most air conditioners also have air filters that depending on the quality of the filtration, can help to remove particulates, mold, allergens and respiratory irritants from the air people breathe.

Some routine air conditioner maintenance tasks can be handled by property owners and tenants while other undertakings may require the services of a professional. Basic maintenance tips typically include the following with the power shut off to the unit:

• Remove debris and plant growth from around and inside of the exterior condenser
• Clean the fins and outdoor unit, but do not use a pressure washer to prevent damage
• Look for bent or damaged fins and have them straightened
• Check to determine if any excessive settling has occurred
• Check  for damage and wear, and clean the evaporator coil
• Inspect and clean the condensation drain
• Replace old air filters including those units with an outdoor air intake filter
• Inspect duct work for signs of debris, contamination and obvious leaks
• Checking airflow, thermostat accuracy and the amount of refrigerant or if there are any refrigerant leaks is often best handled by a qualified professional

“California residents with concerns about the quality of the air coming from their air conditioner have access to tests that can identify everything from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals to mold, asbestos, lead dust, irritants and potential asthma triggers,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If test results indicate an issue, corrective measures can then be implemented to improve the air quality.”

LA Testing offers sampling supplies, monitoring equipment, inspection tools, analytical services and even easy-to-use test kits. They have also sponsored a video about air conditioner preventive maintenance and indoor air quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/VvPCzn-q1tc.

To learn more about mold and IAQ testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail