Homeowners often overlook the value of conducting preventative air conditioner maintenance. Staying on top of this core home system helps minimize the risk of breakage, keeps repair and power costs low, extends the system’s lifespan, and contributes to an eco-friendly home.
Fortunately, maintaining an air conditioner takes minimal time and effort when taking a proactive approach. Here are five simple ways to maintain your AC to benefit from the advantages listed above.
Keep Filters and Fins Clean
Air conditioners are dust and dirt magnets. As they intake and distribute air, the fins and filters capture debris to prevent it from getting distributed throughout your home. This feature minimizes the impact on your air quality while protecting the inner workings of your AC unit.
When the dust and dirt start to build up, it puts more stress on your system. Your air conditioner will work harder to try and achieve maximum output through the blockages. A simple way to avoid this problem is to keep the filters and fins clean. You can simply opt for 14 x 18 x1 air filter to keep the house free from dust and other micro-particles.
Take some time to remove sticks and debris from the fins of the exterior unit. You can use a shop vac with a soft-bristled brush attachment to gently clean the fins without causing damage. It’s also worth picking up a simple fin brush to separate and align fins that get bent or distorted.
Plan to clean or replace your air conditioner’s filters monthly during the peak season. Replacing or rinsing your filters ultimately depends on what type of system you have. Your repair service provider can help you determine the best course of action.
Schedule Annual Maintenance Tune Ups
Having an expert inspect and calibrate your system will ensure everything is running correctly before the sunny season hits. During a basic tune-up, the technician will conduct a basic inspection and make adjustments as needed. You can also have a complete system calibration and thermostat check to ensure the entire system is functional check Morris Jenkins ac tune up services for more information).
Ideally, you’ll schedule your annual tune-up for the late winter or early spring. This helps you get ahead of the rush and avoid wait times for parts and service. Proactively scheduling a tune up ensures you aren’t without proper air conditioning on the first hot day of the year.
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Minimize Exterior Heat Sources
One aspect of air conditioner maintenance has nothing to do with the unit itself and everything to do with the environment in which it operates. The harder your air conditioner has to work to achieve the temperature you want, the more susceptible it is to wear and tear. This means more repair calls and a shorter overall lifespan.
Blocking the sunlight from your house during the summer will have a profound impact on the efficiency and longevity of your AC system. Put up light-blocking curtains or thermal film to offset the heat from the sun. You should also take the time to source and seal any drafts that could be affecting the temperature.
There are several eco-friendly landscaping techniques you can utilize to create a microclimate around your home. Providing large shade trees that block the sun in South and East-facing windows during the summer while creating a wind break during the winter can help maintain your heating and cooling systems.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats help you minimize stress on your AC system during the summer months. Use this system to adjust the temperature based on whether you’re home or not. Smart thermostats also provide remote access and give valuable cost-saving tips based on data collected over time.
Optimize Your Airflow
Finally, optimize the airflow in your home to put less stress on your air conditioner. If you have a whole house conditioner, close vents in unused rooms to redirect the cool air. Adding ceiling fans set counterclockwise will also improve air distribution. Remember to close the doors in unused rooms as well.
With these five simple tips, you can take better care of your air conditioner so it can take better care of you.
