Maintaining your air conditioner will save you money on electricity while extending its lifespan. In addition, professional air conditioner maintenance can improve the efficiency of your equipment. As a result, you’ll save money while staying cool this summer.
An air conditioner that is correctly operating eliminates extra moisture from the air, keeping people comfortable. Mold development can be exacerbated by dirty air conditioners or AC systems that aren’t working correctly, contributing to allergies and asthma flare-ups. To ensure that your air conditioner operates well throughout the season, follow these basic AC maintenance tips.
Insulation Is Key
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To keep the air within ducts in hot attics or crawl spaces cold, they should be wrapped. Spray foam, batt insulation, and rigid-foam insulation are all options. Foil tape is used to seal the batt and rigid insulation (not duct tape). Wraps provide some insulation in cramped situations.
Keep your blinds or shades down throughout the day to extend the life of your AC system; you can also build awnings to protect south-facing windows from the sun. To circulate cooled air more efficiently, use the air conditioner in combination with floor or ceiling fans.
Clean the Filter
Keeping the filter clean is one of the simplest and most efficient methods to maintain your air conditioner in good operating order. Check your air conditioner’s filter to determine if it needs to be changed or cleaned before it starts working overtime to keep your house cool. Cleaning your air conditioner filter is an important element of any air conditioner maintenance routine.
Filters that are clogged or unclean might obstruct the unit’s natural airflow, lowering its efficiency. A filthy air conditioner filter may also reduce the air quality in your house by allowing additional dust and debris to circulate through the air. You should replace your HVAC system’s filter at least twice a year. If you live in a dusty location, you might want to replace it more frequently.
Examine the Fins
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During your yearly air conditioner maintenance, pay special attention to your home’s exterior air conditioning equipment. Start by looking at the unit’s fins to see how much dirt and debris is on them. Remove the exterior covers from the device and use a shop vacuum to remove any visible debris. Then use a garden hose to remove any residual material. After the fins have been cleaned, inspect closely to see if any portions have been bent, which might result in a reduction in airflow. If you discover a bend in the fin, straighten it out with a butter knife.
Repair Leaks
Ducts can lose up to 30% of their airflow due to leakage, and window air conditioners are notoriously difficult to seal properly. Hold a stick of incense where the unit and the window frame meet to find leaks; for central air, hold the stick near duct connections. You’ve got leakage if the smoke is blowing about.
Make Use of a Timer
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While you’re at work, there’s no need to crank up the air conditioning. Install a programmable thermostat for central units that allows you to set higher temperatures when you’re away and lower temperatures when you’re home. You may buy a timer at any home shop, but be sure it matches the voltage of your device.
Newer window units come with built-in timers and adjustable thermostats. Don’t turn off the system unless you’re going on vacation; otherwise, the air compressor will have to work harder to cool your home later.
Keep Coils Clean
The coils are another component of your home’s air conditioner to pay attention to while doing routine maintenance. Over time, debris can accumulate on your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils. The debris can obstruct airflow and cause the coil to become insulated, reducing its ability to absorb heat.
Both of these issues might lead to a less efficient system. As a result, your summer utility costs will be astronomical. Furthermore, the exterior coils of your air conditioner might become dirty, especially if your yard is dusty or has a lot of trees or bushes around the unit. That means you should inspect both the interior and outdoor units for filthy coils.
Maintain the Outdoor Unit
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Excess material on and around your outdoor air conditioning unit can create major issues. Rake away leaves and other debris from surrounding the unit, and trim back branches and bushes if they obstruct the airflow. To avoid obstruction throughout the summer, keep any neighboring plants clipped at least two feet away from the sides of the outside unit.
Services
Don’t neglect the AC maintenance. It’s a good idea to have a professional examine and service your air conditioner before the summer heat arrives to ensure it’s in good operating order throughout summer. A specialist will examine all of the vital aspects of the unit, from the refrigerant to the ductwork, to verify that everything is operating correctly. If a problem is discovered, you’ll be relieved to learn that you can fix it before summer arrives.
