Air Conditioner Maintenance to Keep Your Unit Working Properly
The hot summer months will soon be here, which means now is the time to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. Taking the time to check and test your air conditioner before summer gets here will ensure you have a cool house throughout the hot season. And proper air conditioner maintenance can also make your unit more efficient. That means you’ll save money while keeping your home cool this summer. Follow these simple air conditioner maintenance tips to make sure your unit works properly all season long.
Keep the Filter Clean
One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner working properly is also the most effective – keeping the filter clean. Before your air conditioner starts working overtime to keep your home cool, be sure to check the unit’s filter to see if it needs to be replaced or cleaned. If you see visible dirt or debris on the filter, it probably needs to be replaced (or cleaned if your unit has a reusable filter).
Keeping your filter cleaned is an essential part of any air conditioner maintenance plan. Clogged or dirty filters can block the unit’s normal airflow, which reduces its efficiency. A dirty filter in your air conditioner can also reduce the air quality in your home, causing excess dust and debris to spread through the air in your home.
Clean the Coils
Another area of your home’s unit to focus on when conducting regular air conditioner maintenance is the coils. Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil can collect dirt through the years. This stuck-on debris can reduce airflow and can cause the coil to become insulated, which reduces its ability to absorb heat. Both of these problems can result in a less efficient system. And that means your summer utility bills will be through the roof!
Additionally, your air conditioner’s outdoor coils can also become dirty, especially if your yard is dusty or has a lot of trees or shrubs hear the unit. That means checking both the indoor and outdoor unit for dirty coils is a must!
Check the Fins
Your home’s outdoor air conditioning unit will need a little extra attention as you conduct your annual air conditioner maintenance. Start by inspecting the unit’s fins to see the amount of dirt and debris on the fins. Remove the outer covers from the unit and clear away noticeable dirt using a shop vacuum. Then, spray the remaining debris away with a garden hose.
Once the fins are clean, take a closer look to see if any areas are bent, which can cause a reduction in air flow. If you notice a bent area, use a butter knife to straighten the fin back in place.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Excess debris on and around your outdoor air conditioning unit can cause big problems during the summer months. Make sure to rake away leaves and other debris from around the unit and cut back branches and shrubs to ensure they don’t block the unit’s air flow. Keep all nearby vegetation trimmed at least two feet away from the sides of the outdoor unit to prevent blockage during the summer.
Annual Check-Up
To be sure your air conditioner is in proper working order all summer long, it’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect the unit before the heat of summer sets in. During a regular air conditioner maintenance check-up, a technician will check all the necessary elements of the unit, from the refrigerant to the duct work, to ensure every element of your air conditioner is working properly. And if an issue is found, you’ll be happy the problem is resolved before summertime arrives.
Need help with you air conditioning maintenance? Give the team at AirAce Heating and Cooling a call. We offer air conditioning cleaning and checkup services at reasonable rates! Or, sign up for our easy hassle-free Maintenance Plan. Both plans offer convenient monthly, bi-yearly, or yearly payment options. And, the Maintenance Plans means we’ll check your air conditioning and your heating system yearly for you.
