Your air conditioning unit is a crucial element of a comfortable, temperate home. When it breaks down, the stress of calling a repair technician combines with the discomfort of excess heat and poor air quality. To extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, use these tips to maintain it and keep your home’s air cool and fresh.
Change Filters Regularly
Your AC unit’s filters help get rid of allergens and contaminants floating in the air. If you go too long without changing them, the filters will get clogged and become useless. Clean or replace those filters once a month to continue enjoying fresh, allergen-free air.
Inspect the Fan
Your air conditioner has a fan inside its condensing unit to cool the refrigerant inside the coils. If that fan starts to malfunction, the unit will require a lot of extra energy and effort to cool your home. Got a broken-down fan? Call an HVAC expert to perform professional repairs.
Dust the Coils
The copper coils in your AC’s condenser unit help the refrigerant inside absorb excess heat from your home. When those coils get dirty, they can’t absorb heat as efficiently, and your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home. Once a year (preferably at the beginning of summer), open your condenser unit and dust all the excess dirt and debris off the coils.
Check Internal Components
Make sure all the electrical wiring and connections in your air conditioner are in good condition. To do so, turn off the unit and open up the condenser access panel to look at the wiring. Do you see any melted insulation or signs of burning? Excess heat can place stress on your energy bill and can pose safety hazards. Call an AC repair specialist to fix any blackened or burned wires.
Schedule Service Appointments
Get a thorough HVAC tune-up twice a year. Professional HVAC technicians know these systems inside and out, and they’ll be able to spot energy and safety concerns that are not immediately obvious to a layperson. Think of an HVAC tech like a doctor for your air conditioner; a thorough checkup twice a year is ideal for maintaining the unit’s health.
Keep your home comfortable and safe all year long by performing regular air conditioner unit maintenance. There are several ways to keep your AC in good condition for many years; partner with your HVAC technician to keep your system functioning efficiently.
