Your Air Conditioner Needs Regular Attention
As the summer stretches on with its relentless heat, it’s crucial to ensure your air conditioning system is in optimal working condition. Your air conditioner needs regular attention. Regular minor maintenance can be the key to preventing unexpected and easily avoidable breakdowns.
For instance, cleaning or replacing air filters every 1-3 months can significantly improve your unit’s efficiency, as clogged filters are a common cause of AC issues. Additionally, checking the refrigerant levels and ensuring the coils are clean will help maintain the unit’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
🔍 1. Change or Clean Air Filters :
- Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the AC to work harder and potentially leading to higher energy bills and damage to the system.
- Change or clean filters regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
- Check your filter regularly and replace it when it appears dirty.
Different A/C types have different filters
🛠️2. Clean the Coils:
- The condenser and evaporator coils can accumulate dirt and debris, hindering their ability to transfer heat.
- Clean the coils (both indoor and outdoor units) with a coil cleaner and a soft brush or cloth, according to Strada Services.
- For the outdoor unit, carefully remove any debris like leaves, grass, or branches that might be blocking airflow.
Cleaning your condenser unit is important
🔍 3. Maintain Proper Airflow:
- Ensure vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects.
- Check for any leaks in the ductwork and seal them with duct tape or sealant.
- Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of obstructions.
“Mastic” sealing ductwork
🛠️ 4. Check and Clear Condensate Drain:
- The condensate drain line can get clogged with algae, dirt, and other debris, potentially causing water damage.
- Clean the drain line regularly to ensure proper drainage.
Condensate drain line example
🛠️ 5. Schedule Professional Maintenance:
- Have a qualified technician inspect and service your air conditioner annually, ideally before the cooling season begins.
- This inspection should include checking refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall system performance.
⚠️6. Other Helpful Tips:
- Consider using a programmable thermostat to optimize cooling and energy usage.
- Ensure adequate insulation in your home to minimize heat gain and reduce the strain on your air conditioner.
- Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to reduce solar heat gain
The curtains are drawn and block out the daylight, which keeps out the heat
Don’t forget to inspect the wiring entering your home as well. Rodents and other pests are notorious for chewing through electrical wires, which can lead to dangerous situations such as power outages or even fires. Regularly examining these connections can help you spot any potential damage early on. Statistics show that electrical issues are a leading cause of household fires, so this simple step is well worth the effort. By taking these preventive measures, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home environment all summer long, without the stress of unexpected and preventable failures.
Please note the photos above are representative of only some types of air conditioners. Please refer to your maintenance manual or search online for your model, specifically.