Ensure Your Comfort During the Dog Days of Summer with Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance
On the hottest days of the year, the last thing any homeowner wants to find is their AC unit on the fritz.
When summer is in full swing, your air conditioner is doing overtime to keep your home cool and your household comfortable. Being proactive about servicing your system will help ensure it runs smoothly all season long.
But that’s not the only benefit. Routine maintenance also contributes to a longer-lasting air conditioner and better indoor air quality.
To help you beat the heat this summer, here are six must-do air conditioner maintenance tips before temperatures really start to rise.
Tip #1: Change Your Air Filter
Replacing your air filter is an essential and relatively simple task on your air conditioner maintenance checklist. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you swap out your air filter every three months. However, this can be more or less often depending on factors like the size of your home, how often your system gets used, and if you have pets.
Because an air filter is designed to prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from circulating throughout your home, it’s easy for it to become blocked if it’s not changed regularly. When this happens, your unit works harder than it should, and it’s not uncommon to experience reduced airflow.
For good measure, check your air filter on a monthly basis. When you hold it up to a light source, does light pass through it? If not, it needs to be replaced.
Tip #2: Clean Your Indoor and Outdoor Units
Both your indoor and outdoor units can build up dirt, dust, and other grime over time. And without proper air conditioner maintenance, this can adversely affect your system’s overall performance.
For your indoor unit, use a cloth or duster to clean the unit’s casing. Your outdoor condenser should be cleared of any leaves and debris, and can also be wiped down with a damp cloth.
If you fancy yourself handy, it may be tempting to clean internal parts of your system as well. However, these jobs are best left to HVAC professionals who have the tools and techniques to avoid any damages during the process.
Tip #3: Inspect the Condensate Drain Line for Blockages
Your condensate drain line plays a vital role in removing excess moisture from your HVAC unit. While this is a smaller component of your system, poor air conditioner maintenance can cause costly issues.
Because of the line’s moist conditions, algae, mildew, and other growth can quickly develop and cause blockages. If water is collecting in the drip pan of your indoor unit, or there’s other water damage around your air handler, this may indicate a clog.
A shop vacuum can be used to suck out the debris at the end of the condensate drain line, usually found near your outdoor condenser. Distilled vinegar and hot water can also be beneficial in breaking up and dislodging more persistent buildup.
Tip #4: Check the Insulation of Your HVAC Pipes
Your HVAC system should have insulation – typically a black or white foam material – around the pipes transporting refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. This protects against condensation and promotes thermal efficiency.
Inspect your pipes’ insulation as part of your annual air conditioner maintenance for any signs of wear and tear. If you find any portion of your pipework exposed, you should get in touch with an HVAC contractor to have it replaced.
Tip #5: Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
While not directly part of your indoor or outdoor units, your thermostat is the control hub of your entire HVAC system, telling it when and when not to run. Many people leave their air conditioning on all day, even when they’re not home, which impacts your system’s longevity as well as the cost of your utility bills.
A programmable thermostat keeps you cool and comfortable only when you really need it. You’re able to set different temperatures throughout the day, so you don’t end up air conditioning an empty house. This ultimately helps your system last longer and saves you money on energy consumption.
Tip #6: Schedule Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance with an HVAC Specialist
There are plenty of ways to DIY air conditioner maintenance, but reaching out to an HVAC contractor will ensure the job is done right. Professionals who specialize in heating and cooling systems perform checks, cleaning, and other maintenance tasks with ease and expertise.
Your HVAC technician also has a better eye for issues. You may recognize when something is seriously wrong, but a trained professional is able to pick out smaller problems and fix them before they get out of hand, saving you a higher repair or replacement cost down the road.
For every year you go without air conditioner maintenance, your system loses 5% efficiency. An HVAC specialist is ultimately the smartest choice to curb this statistic and ensure your unit runs effectively this summer and for many summers to come. Contact a trusted HVAC company near you to discuss your needs.
