Top 5 Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
Air conditioning keeps your home comfortable in the summer and it's a necessity many take for granted. It's essential to keep your air conditioner well maintained to avoid air conditioning repair bills and stifling summer heat. Before performing maintenance, always ensure the power to your cooling system is turned off. Here are five tips to keep your air conditioning system running:
1. Change the filters.
To keep your air conditioner running to its fullest, you need to change the filters. Filters quickly become clogged with dust and hair, which decreases the output of cool air. Even a perfect cooling system won't run efficiently with dirty filters. Your filters should be changed once a month in the summer and once every few months in the winter. If your system has reusable filters, simply wash them with lukewarm water and mild soap. Changing the filters on a regular basis is also a great way to keep allergies in check.
2. Clean the fins.
If you have central heat and air, your system is connected to an outdoor unit. This unit has fins that easily become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris from the elements. Use your hose to spray the grime off the fins to keep air circulating through the unit. If there is any caked on dirt, use a soft washcloth and warm soapy water to scrub the fins clean. Be careful not to dent or bend the fins.
3. Inspect the outdoor unit's condition
Inspect the outdoor unit of your cooling system to make sure that it's level. A condensing unit that is not level will wobble and put more strain on the fans and motor. Eventually, this causes the motor and fan belts to break faster than they should. Place a piece of wood underneath the unit if it's wobbling for a temporary fix until a professional can make the necessary repair.
4. Clean the drip pans.
Whenever you change your filters, check your drip pans. The drip pan should be emptied of water and wiped clean. High humidity causes excess moisture to build up in your cooling system and affect its efficiency. High humidity can also encourage mold growth, which aggravates asthma and allergies.
5. HVAC service
About once a year hire a professional for an HVAC service. During an annual service, the technician will check and maintain the levels of coolant in the system. The technician will also make sure all parts are lubricated and inspect ducts and tubing for repair issues. The technician may also flush or vacuum the system as well as check the thermostat to ensure it maintains the proper temperature.
These easy tasks will keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and will save you from hefty repair bills. Contact an HVAC technician, like those at D & W Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., today to schedule your annual service.