Maintaining your air conditioning unit as per a schedule would pay off more in the long run compared to any other routine household maintenance tasks that you’ll do. Regular AC maintenance would not just ensure cooler summers and no unexpected breakdowns, but your energy bills will remain well within control as well.
An AC that’s well maintained would run a lot more efficiently, use minimal energy, and will operate cost-efficiently. A properly maintained setup would also live much longer before requiring a complete replacement.
AC Maintenance Importance
The average homeowner can only do so many tasks. Jobs that require a license and proper training should be carried out by professionals only.
If you think you are not as good as those “handymen” and are finding it hard to perform certain maintenance tasks, always hire a professional to get, the job done. Always prioritize safety; and before performing any job on your external AC unit, shut down the power from your electrical box to the unit first.
AC Tip #1: Clean and/or Change Air Filter
Replacing the air filter of your AC (or cleaning a reusable filter) is among the crucial routine AC maintenance tasks. It must be carried out once every month, particularly during high-usage seasons (such as winter and summer) and once in the spring and fall.
The air filter would be positioned either:
• On a wall behind the return air lattice or in a house’s central room on the ceiling.
• Inside the furnace or air handler’s blower compartment.
• In a specific slot on your furnace’s side, top or bottom.
When the air filter is replete with allergen particles, dirt, and dust, the airflow decreases, which pushes your AC set up to do more than it would have to do normally, also, the air flowing through the system could become dustier, dirtier, and will most likely instigate asthma and allergy symptoms in people living in the house.
AC Tip #2: Inspect Wiring and Components
Before working on an AC, always begin by turning the power to the AC unit off. You can do this at the outdoor unit’s service disconnect your house’s first breaker panel.
Inspect old wires inside the AC unit. Next, remove your condensing unit’s access panel and check if there are any visible signs of overheating, such as melted wire insulation, burned-looking or blackened wires, etc.
You could even inspect any other electrical connection in the house to ensure they are tight. You may check the unit’s capacitors if there is an electrical testing meter in your house.
Inspect the contractor switch. If there is significant pitting, get it replaced at the earliest.
If you come across any of the problems mentioned above and don’t think you can replace the parts yourself efficiently and safely, always contact a local air conditioning and heating expert to get, the job was done professionally.
AC Tip #3: Check Thermostat
Examine your thermostat to ensure it is functioning right and maintaining the correct temperature in the house. If your thermostat is old and of the mechanical type, it is recommended you upgrade to a programmable type.
Programmable thermostats let you push the temperature up when there is no one in the house (just push the temperature up; don’t turn it off) and decrease the temperature 30 minutes prior to people entering the house in the evening.
This way, your house will always be pleasant to step in, and you would also save money and energy as your AC would not be running unnecessarily throughout the day where there is no one using the space.
Here’s a great video from the HVAC pros:
AC Tip #4: Inspect Condenser Unit Fan
Switch off the power to your AC unit and inspect the fan that’s positioned on the external condenser unit’s top to ensure it is still in solid condition. Get the fan blades replaced if you see any visible chips or cracks in the blade(s).
If your air conditioner unit is old, the bearings of the fan motor could require regular oiling too.
AC Tip #5: Clean External Unit
Over a period, dirt, leaves, grass clippings, etc. could accumulate on the external AC unit’s outside, decreasing airflow and reducing system capacity.
After negating power to the AC unit, wash the debris out gently using a garden hose, starting from the top at a 45-degree angle. Kindly do not resort to a power washer. Also, ensure you do not damage or bend the coil’s delicate fins while cleaning.
Give Professional AC Maintenance a Call
Proper maintenance of your AC unit would be of considerable benefit with regard to saving energy, money, and keeping you cool and comfortable during the very hot summer days.
HVAC professionals work on outdoor air conditioner units. Your local air conditioning and heating firm would be more than forthcoming to assist you with all and any kind of air conditioning requirements.
These professionals can check on your AC and carry out additional maintenance jobs as well on a yearly basis, which would make sure your AC unit works as efficiently as it could for the longest time possible.