Your air conditioner is undeniably one of the vital pieces in your home comfort puzzle, particularly during those sizzling summer months. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to arm yourself with a few simple, do-it-yourself maintenance tasks to ensure it’s always performing at its peak?
This guide will walk you through five manageable upkeep tasks such as changing filters and keeping the unit clean. But don’t worry, when things get a bit tricky or technical, it’s perfectly fine to call in the professionals. Let’s not risk damaging our trusty AC units. Technical experts have the right skill set to maintain and fix things that are beyond our DIY abilities!
By handling minor issues yourself and knowing when to call in help, you keep those home temperatures just right while ensuring your cooling system enjoys a long and efficient life. So, let’s get started!
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1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Filters in your system trap dust particles, reducing indoor air pollutants and keeping your home’s air quality satisfactory. Over time, these filters get congested and can block airflow forcing your unit to work harder and consume more energy. Replacing these filters every three months is essential to maintain a smooth operation.
Now the key part here is what type of filter to use. Make sure you’re using the right size and compatibility for your unit–if unsure, refer to your user manual.
Running into issues while replacing? It’s okay–that’s when professional assistance is needed! If you’ve replaced the filter but still experience poor cooling or hear unusual noises from the unit, call in an expert. They’ll assess whether there’s a deeper issue that needs attention. Air conditioning upkeep with their help will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your system.
2. Keep The Unit Vicinity Clean
Your outdoor unit requires sufficient clearance for optimal airflow and performance. A minimum of two feet around the unit should be free from obstructions like plants, garden furniture, or debris – such as leaves or twigs. This allows for easy circulation of air.
To maintain this clearance, regularly remove any clutter and trim back overhanging branches or nearby plants. Your air conditioner will appreciate the breathing space and give you a great night’s sleep even during the extremely cold or warm months.
However slight your cleaning may seem, it has a big impact on your unit’s efficiency and longevity. But if after cleaning around your outdoor unit you’re still experiencing an under-performing AC or if it frequently switches off without cooling properly, call an expert.
There can be other reasons for poor function outside your control such as faulty wiring or insufficient coolant. In such cases, professionals have the tools and expertise needed to identify and fix these more complex issues.
3. Clean The AC Coils Once a Year
These coils are responsible for absorbing heat from your home to keep it cool. Over time, outdoor elements like dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, resulting in a reduction in their ability to absorb heat effectively.
To preserve coil effectiveness, an annual gentle cleaning is advisable. This includes carefully removing any dirt without damaging the fins around the coils — a soft brush or commercially available coil cleaner will do the job nicely.
However, if your unit isn’t cooling efficiently after you’ve cleaned the coils, it’s time to call an expert. They can spot if there’s a deeper underlying matter — perhaps low refrigerant levels or a need for more thorough professional-grade cleaning.
Remember that while DIY maintenance can keep your unit running smoothly most of the time, periodic check-ups from professionals ensure everything is optimized for performance and longevity.
4. Straighten The Fins If Bent
Fins are the thin metallic slats that cover your unit and assist in the airflow process. Over time, these can get bent and restrict air from circulating freely which affects your AC’s performance.
Straightening these bent fins is a fairly simple job you can do yourself by gently using a fin comb, which is specially designed for this purpose. This allows for better airflow and efficiency from your unit. It can also help you reduce energy costs.
However, this job requires a delicate touch as you don’t want to cause any further damage to the fins or coils. If you find this task tricky or if the performance of your AC doesn’t improve after straightening the fins, call those experts!
They’ll ensure that not just fins but all other components are functioning properly too, guaranteeing optimal efficiency and prolonging your system’s lifespan.
5. Conduct Regular Visual Inspections For Leaks or Blockages
This simple task involves routinely checking your AC unit for signs of leaks, blockages, or damage. Listen to any unusual sounds too.
Conducting these visual checks helps you identify smaller issues before they become costly problems. Look for things like ice build-up on the coils, water pooling under the unit, or noticeable changes in airflow.
If you do come across any obvious red flags during your inspections – like a refrigerant leak or electrical faults – it’s crucial not to try fixing them yourself. These delicate areas require the expertise and equipment that only professionals have.
Again, it’s always better to get an expert involved early when problems occur rather than waiting till your AC completely breaks down. It saves you both time and money in the long run and ensures your home stays cool when needed most!
In conclusion, don’t put off keeping your AC in top shape until the next heatwave hits. Start incorporating these straightforward maintenance tasks into your routine today, and remember to reach out for professional help when needed — your cool and comfortable home will thank you!
