How to Maintain Your Air Conditioning in 5 Easy Steps

The following contribution is from another author.

Air conditioning may be the most important purchase for some people, especially those living in warmer climates, where temperatures can get unbearably high. Air conditioners are, then, essential, as they not only keep the temperature at an optimal level but also reduce humidity in your home and lower the amount of pollen, mold, and other outdoor and indoor allergens.

Investing in a good air conditioner can be costly, so you should take a few steps to properly maintain this appliance and in order to diagnose your furnace issue (if one should occur) in order to use it for a long time. Even small steps like changing your air filter, checking the fins, scheduling a professional AC maintenance appointment, getting the coils cleaned, and maintaining the condensate drains can help you keep your air conditioner clean and in a good state. Then, you won’t need to worry about this essential appliance, and you will be able to focus on more enjoyable things.

Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment

You should have a professional come and inspect your air conditioner at least once a year. This will help you avoid any big (and expensive) repairs and extend your appliance’s life. They will be able to clean it and ensure that all the parts are in good working order, preventing any major problems from developing and costing you a lot of money to fix.

A professional AC repair service can be found in many cities, like AC maintenance in Phoenix, New York, or Dallas. They can identify any issues and correct them before they escalate into larger problems. Your air conditioner will be in the best condition, and you will get a warranty that covers most parts.

Change the Air Filter

A good rule is to change an air filter every three months, but you should check it more often, especially if you have pets or someone in your household suffers from allergies. A clogged air filter will make your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently.

The air filter is one of the most important parts of the air conditioner, as it helps to clean the air before it enters the unit. It is, therefore, essential to change it regularly to ensure the highest air quality. You can also clean it with a vacuum cleaner every time you vacuum your house.

Check the Fins

The fins on your air conditioner are responsible for dissipating heat. Checking them can help you detect and repair any damage as soon as possible.

The fins are on the back of the unit, and they must be kept clean, as dirt and dust can clog them, affecting your air conditioner’s efficiency. If they are bent or damaged, they won’t be able to do their job properly, and your air conditioner will have to work harder, using more energy and costing you more money. You can use a fin comb to straighten them out, but be careful not to cause further damage.

Get the Coils Cleaned

The coils are essential for air conditioners and need to be kept clean in order for the appliance to work properly. Coils are located inside the air conditioner and are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. Over time, the coils can become dirty and start working less efficiently. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the air, which will increase your energy bills.

In order to clean the coils, you need to turn off the power to the air conditioner, remove the panels and use a brush or vacuum to remove the dirt and dust. You can also use a coil cleaner, which you can purchase from a hardware store or hire a professional to do it for you.

Cleaning your air conditioning coils regularly is essential as they collect mold, mildew, and dust. This can have a negative impact on your air quality, especially in the summer when your HVAC is working every day.

So, when is the right time to clean them? It’s recommended that you do it once or twice a year or at least before the summer starts.

Maintain the Condensate Drains

To keep your air conditioner in a good state and increase its efficiency, you should maintain the condensate drains. These drains are responsible for removing the water that is produced when the air conditioner is running. If these drains get clogged, the water can back up into the air conditioner and cause damage. In order to prevent this from happening, you should clean the condensate drains at least once a year.

Conclusion

Air conditioning is definitely an essential appliance, especially if you live in a hot area. It can also be an expensive investment, so it is crucial to take good care of your unit and to take some precautions to use it for as long as possible.

You should try to stick to the maintenance schedule; this way, you will be able to avoid some expensive repairs in the future. Remember always to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

Maintaining your air conditioner is not complicated; you just need to be careful and do all the little things, from changing the air filter to keeping the condensate drains clean, and the air conditioner will last for a long time.