Performing routine maintenance on your air conditioning system is important to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Keeping the air filter and coils clean is an affordable and effective way to maintain the system. You should also keep the area surrounding the condenser unit clean. It is essential that you maintain the coils regularly, as dirty ones can hinder air flow and force your system to work harder. After all, it would be difficult if your air conditioning malfunctions or even breaks in this exceedingly hot weather.
Maintenance is cost-effective
Maintaining your air conditioning system is crucial if you want to keep it running smoothly. Aside from checking the filter and cleaning the condenser coils, you should also check the electrical system. It is also important to keep the floor and ceiling registers free of any debris or clogs. Lastly, you should clean and change the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
Regular maintenance is cost-effective and offers many benefits, including the prevention of major problems and keeping older units in good shape. It also ensures that the cooling system is functioning efficiently and saves on energy bills. It is recommended that you have your air conditioner serviced yearly or more often if you have an older system.
A good maintenance plan will cost you between $200 and $300 per year and will allow you to have a technician come to your home four times a year. This plan will cover all the items on the tune-up checklist and is ideal if you don’t have many repair issues with your air conditioning system. A technician will also clean the air filters and perform a thorough inspection.
Another service you should consider is replacing your carbon monoxide detector. This device is usually in the same unit as your fire alarm. This is an important addition to your home’s safety, since a carbon monoxide gas leak can lead to a fatal heart attack. You should also make sure your air conditioning unit is serviced before the summer season starts. You should also keep an eye on your energy bills, as a sudden spike in energy usage can signal a problem with the unit.
Cleaning the coils
The first step in cleaning the coils is to remove any debris. These can include grass clippings, leaves, and dirt. You can use a coil brush or a shop-vac with a soft brush attachment to remove debris. Make sure to not bend or break the fins during this process. After removing the debris, apply a coil cleaner according to the manufacturer’s directions.
After cleaning the coils, you can use a garden hose to rinse it. If you choose to use a foaming cleaner, you will want to use good water pressure and use slow back and forth motions to remove the cleaner. If you’re cleaning an indoor unit, you don’t need to turn the AC on to clean the coils. If you’re cleaning the coils on a window unit, you can use a spray bottle to control how much water you spray on the coils.
Keeping the coils clean is important to the efficiency of your air conditioner. If they are dirty, your system won’t produce cold air and can cause health hazards. By cleaning them regularly, you can save yourself from costly repair bills and service calls. Clean air conditioning coils will last much longer and help your air conditioner work more efficiently.
If you’re constantly dealing with warm air or a constantly running air conditioner, chances are your coils are clogged with dust. Cleaning the condenser coils may be as easy as using a garden hose, but you should leave the evaporator coil cleaning to a professional as it’s delicate and must be cleaned properly.
Replacing the air filter
Replacing the air filter on your air conditioner is an important step for ensuring that it is working properly. To change the filter, first turn off your air conditioner. The shutoff switch is usually located on the indoor unit. If your air filter is dirty, it is time to replace it.
Dirty air filters lower the efficiency of your HVAC unit. This results in higher utility bills and reduced air quality. In addition, dirty filters are breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. They can also damage your system. Therefore, replacing your air filter is vital to keep your air conditioner operating smoothly all summer long.
The air filter should be changed at least once a month. You can purchase replacement filters through Amazon. In addition to replacing the filter, you should check the condensation pipe on your air conditioner. If this pipe becomes clogged, water may back up into the air conditioner, and can lead to a mess. It can also result in a big repair bill.
You should also inspect your air conditioner’s ducts. If you have pets, their hair can get into the ducts, which reduce the airflow and make the unit work harder. Replacing the air filter regularly will help ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly all summer long and keep it running at its highest efficiency.
Keeping the area around the condenser unit clear
The outdoor condenser unit on your home should be kept clear to allow air to flow around it properly. During the summer, grass and garden mulch can accumulate around the unit, and this dirty layer can restrict the airflow. Keeping the area around the unit clear is important to ensure proper air flow and to prevent any damage to the coils.
Keeping the area around the condensing unit free of leaves and debris can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by preventing dirt, dust, and other debris from building up. Additionally, keeping the area around the condenser unit free of clutter will help your air conditioner run smoothly all summer long.
Another tip to keep the area around your condenser unit clean is to regularly clean the condenser coils. A dirty coil means that the air conditioner must work harder to cool your home. This will cause it to cost more to run, which is bad news for your wallet. To clean the coils, hire a professional to do the job or purchase a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Before you do the cleaning, make sure to clear the area around the unit of all yard debris and overgrowth.
Keeping the area around the condensing unit clean is also a great way to prevent an unexpected breakdown. You should always have a backup plan ready in case your air conditioner needs repairs. A spare key is a good idea to keep with a neighbor or friend in case something happens to your unit. Cleaning the coils can also improve the airflow and make your air conditioner run more efficiently.
Using a ceiling fan
Using a ceiling fan to keep your home cool during the summer can save you money on your energy bills. These fans use little energy and work in tandem with your air conditioning system to cool your home effectively. These fans even help with “wind chill”-the cool feeling you get when the wind blows.
The air moving in a ceiling fan is cooled because it is moving at a slow pace. Make sure to rotate your ceiling fan counterclockwise during the summer. This way, it will help pull cooler air downward, which will cool the air below. Also, make sure to turn your ceiling fan off when you are not in the room.
When the temperature drops, you can turn your ceiling fan back to its original clockwise direction to keep your home cooler. This will also allow you to lower your thermostat, which will help your energy bills. You can also use a ceiling fan to make your home feel warmer by running it at a lower speed during the winter.
If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it is installed in a location that receives sufficient sunlight. If you have a shade over the window, it will also help block direct sunlight.