8 Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
As temperatures continue to rise and the summer season reaches its peak, having a properly operating air conditioner is critical. In order to keep your air conditioner running to the best of its ability, you should know how to properly maintain the system. With efficient maintenance and regular inspections, your air conditioner will serve you for years to come.
There are several steps you can take to effectively maintain your air conditioner. By following these eight steps, you can prolong your air conditioner’s lifespan and save money on costly repairs and replacements.
1. Know How Your Unit Operates
As a homeowner, you should take the time to get a good understanding of how each component of your house works, including the air conditioner. If you have a central air conditioner, you’ll most likely have an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Typically, the outdoor unit will sit next to your home and will operate as the compressor or condenser. The indoor unit will work as an evaporator.
By reading your unit’s instruction manual and learning about the model, you’ll be able to understand how the entire system works. Maintaining your air conditioning will be easier if you understand how your system operates.
2. Keep the System Clean
You should try to keep your unit as clean as possible. You can do this by taking the time to regularly vacuum your air conditioner’s fins with a soft brush tip. Because the fins can bend and break easily, you should use caution while vacuuming and cleaning your air conditioner.
3. Keep an Eye on Sinking Pads
Oftentimes, your outdoor air conditioner may rest on a concrete surface. While it’s normal for these pads to work their way further into the earth, you should keep an eye on any potential complications. If the surface becomes sunken into the earth and develops puddles of water around the unit, you should act quickly to get the unit readjusted.
4. Watch for Bent Pieces
You may not think to check up on your air conditioner unit, but taking the time to keep an eye out for broken parts of your unit can prolong its lifespan. For example, the fins on your air conditioner are susceptible to bending and getting out of place.
When you notice they’re bent, try to straighten them or contact a professional to assess the damage. Promptly repairing bent and out of place parts will save you from taking on costly repairs and irritating replacements.
5. Repair Leaks and Puddle Areas
Seeing puddles and water accumulation around your air conditioner when it isn’t running is a cause for concern. One of the causes of puddling is a clogged condensate drain tube. If you’re noticing puddles of water and other water-related malfunctions, contact a professional team of technicians to promptly repair the area.
6. Regularly Replace the Filter
Having a clean filter is critical for maintaining a healthy and safe home. Additionally, a dirty filter can compromise the integrity of your air conditioning system. By inspecting your unit’s air filter for excessive dirt buildup, you’ll be able to stay ahead of any issues that can result from a dirty filter. Replace your filter routinely to keep your home safe and your HVAC system in the best condition possible.
7. Know When You Need a New Unit
Sometimes an air conditioner system has simply surpassed its lifespan and your home is in need of a new and improved unit. Rather than consistently trying to fix irreparable damage and malfunctions, do your research on a new and long-lasting air conditioner. If you’re not sure where to start, give the experts at Quality System Heating & Cooling for professional guidance.
8. Have a Trusted HVAC Professional You Can Contact
Navigating through the world of HVAC complications and maintenance can be difficult for the non-HVAC expert. However, with a trusted and reputable team of technicians, you’ll be able to sustain a durable and reliable air conditioner.
While finding an honest HVAC company can seem impossible, Quality Systems Heating & Cooling is ready to earn your trust. With three generations of family-owned core beliefs fueling our company, we strive to provide our customers with honest and thorough communication about their air conditioners. Our customers receive quality air conditioner maintenance services to ensure their homes are ready to stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
When Is the Best Time for A/C Maintenance?
The best time to perform A/C maintenance is spring. After sitting dormant all winter, it’s a good idea to have your A/C tuned up before the spring and summer temperatures arrive. You can get your A/C unit running again, and by tuning it up before heavy use in the summer, you can extend the life of your unit. Plus, the last thing you want is for your A/C unit to break when it’s 85 degrees or higher.
Taking a proactive approach to A/C maintenance will help keep these breaks from happening. Not to mention, tuning up your A/C in the spring means your cooling costs will be lower. Your unit will be functioning properly for the summer heat, and you won’t have to pay astronomical utility bills.
Spring is also the time for allergies, and by tuning up your A/C in the spring, you can help reduce indoor allergies and improve the indoor air quality of your home. Be sure to change your filters regularly so you can keep pollen and other allergens out of your space.
Learn More Ways to Lower Cooling Costs This Summer
There are plenty of ways to lower your cooling costs this summer. The first goes back to our previous discussion about maintaining your A/C unit. Making sure it's in top condition will allow it to work better when the heat goes up.
One fun way to lower your cooling costs is to cook outdoors. If you have a grill, embrace outdoor cooking a few times a week. When your stove and oven don’t heat up your home, your A/C doesn’t have to work hard to keep it cool inside. You can also close your curtains during the day to keep out the worst of the summer sun.
Another tip is to hang out in the lower levels of your home. Since heat rises, your upper floors may tend to be warmer, causing the A/C to work harder to keep those areas cool.
Contact Quality Systems Heating & Cooling Today
If you’re in need of top-notch HVAC repair, replacement, or maintenance services, Quality Systems Heating & Cooling is here to assist. We bring the expertise and unmatched experience necessary to ensure your HVAC system is ready to serve you for years to come.
To schedule a service with our team of professional HVAC technicians, contact Quality Systems Heating & Cooling today at 952-226-2665.