For many homeowners in Florida, a functional AC unit is a bare necessity. To ensure that your family has a comfortable living environment on hot days, it’s important to keep your cooling system properly maintained. A regularly serviced air conditioner will also last longer and operate more efficiently. Here are some key tips on how to maintain your AC unit.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
Routinely changing your system’s air filter is among the easiest ways to keep it performing well. While most experts recommend replacing the filter every 90 days, households with pets need to do so more frequently. Neglecting this important maintenance item can lead to a lot of trouble.
Aside from allowing dust and allergens to build up inside your home, a dirty air filter also forces your AC unit to work harder than normal. In the long run, the extra wear and tear is bound to decrease the system’s life.
Take Steps to Decrease Your AC Unit’s Work Load
Even if your AC unit is in tip-top condition, a poorly sealed home can dramatically impact the system’s ability to keep things cool. This is why One Hour stresses the importance of properly sealing windows and doors.
It’s also a good idea to make use of your home’s ceiling fans. By switching them to spin counterclockwise, cool air will be pushed downward. Because of the extra cool breeze, you may be able to rely less on the air conditioner. Its overall workload will be lessened, which ultimately extends the unit’s lifespan.
Check Refrigerant Levels
When their AC unit begins to blow out lukewarm air, some people immediately begin to fear the worst. Fortunately, the root of the problem often stems from a low level of refrigerant. Continuing to run the AC unit without an adequate amount of refrigerant will simply be a waste of energy.
Before recharging the system, a technician may need to repair a leak. This is especially true if the AC unit is more than a few years old.
Clean & Inspect the Outdoor Unit of Your Air Conditioner
Take the time to inspect and clean your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. It’s especially important to rid the condenser coils of leaves and other debris. Cleaning the coils yearly is bound to increase equipment life.
The condensate drain line also needs to be regularly cleared. Remember, a clogged drain line can cause water damage to your home. While you are outside examining the unit, look for any loose or corroded wires as well.
Professional Inspection
Ideally, you should have your AC unit professionally inspected once a year. An experienced HVAC technician can warn you of any potential problems. They will check the heat exchanger, blower motor, thermostat, and other important components. By catching issues early and making the necessary repairs ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to experience an unexpected breakdown.