It’s officially summertime, which means the weather is heating up! If you’re like most people, you’ll be firing up your air conditioner for the first time in months. Before you do, it’s important to make sure your AC is in good working order. In this article, we’ll share the most common air conditioner maintenance requirements to help keep your AC unit clean and running efficiently.
Change your air filters regularly.
One of the most common AC maintenance requirements is changing AC filter regularly. This helps keep your system running smoothly and can improve energy efficiency. Most experts agree that your air filters need to be replaced at least every three months, but you may need more frequent changes if you have pets or excess dust and pollen.
A dirty air filter will cause your system to work harder and put a strain on your AC equipment. Additionally, a clogged filter will allow dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens to circulate in your home and decrease your indoor air quality. Change your air filter frequently for the health of your AC system and your air quality.
Remove any debris from around the ac unit.
One of the most common air conditioner maintenance requirements is to keep the area around the unit clear. This means that nothing should be blocking the flow of air to and from the unit. This includes plants, furniture, or any other objects. Blocking the airflow can cause the unit to work harder than necessary and may reduce its lifespan. As part of your annual maintenance, you need to trim shrubs and bushes away from the outdoor unit.
Inspect the refrigerant lines for leaks and damage.
Refrigerant lines are responsible for transferring refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser and then to the evaporator. They must be inspected for leaks and damage as these can cause your air conditioner to work less efficiently or not at all. If you have a leak, it will need to be fixed in order for your air conditioner to function correctly. Damage can occur when something falls onto the lines or they are hit with something sharp. If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional HVAC technician.
Clean your AC unit regularly.
Your AC unit can become dirty over time and stop running efficiently. Cleaning your AC unit regularly will help it run more smoothly and cool your home faster. You should clean your AC unit at least twice a year, or more often if you live in a dusty area.
To clean your AC unit, start by shutting off the power to the unit at the breaker box. Then remove the front panel of the AC unit. Vacuum all of the dust and dirt from inside the unit using a vacuum with a hose attachment. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
Next, use a wet rag to wipe down all of the surfaces inside the AC unit. Pay close attention to the coils, as they can be very dirty and full of dust. If there is any built-up gunk on or around the fan blades, use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean it off. Finally, reattach the front panel and turn on the power to the AC unit.
Schedule regular seasonal maintenance.
One of the most important things you can do for your AC system is to have it inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC technician on a regular basis. Seasonal maintenance can include cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant levels, and lubricating the fans and motors. Dirty coils or low refrigerant levels can reduce the efficiency of your AC system and cause it to run hotter, costing you more energy bills. Lubricating the fans and motors can help them run more smoothly and quietly and prolong the system’s life. In addition, an HVAC technician will check for and repair any minor problems that could slow your system down or lead to major issues later.
Overall, it is important to keep your AC unit clean and run efficiently to save money on your energy bill and maintain a comfortable environment in your home. You can achieve both of these goals by following the tips in this article.
