By Lizzie Weakley
Summer is nearly here, and it’s time to crank up the air conditioning to keep cool. However, before you turn on your air conditioner, it’s important to make sure that it’s running smoothly. Regular maintenance helps you avoid unexpected malfunctions and breakdowns, which can lead to costly repairs. A well-maintained system also ensures you get the best performance and energy efficiency from your air conditioner. This post will share five essential tips for maintaining your air conditioning system.
Change the Air Filter
One of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks for your air conditioner is changing the air filter. This should be done every one to three months or whenever the filter looks dirty. A dirty filter restricts the airflow in your system, making it harder for your system to cool your home. This can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on the air conditioning system’s components.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system can become clogged with debris, dirt, and leaves over time, which affects its performance. To keep it running efficiently, remove any debris and clear away any obstructions around the unit, like foliage or rocks. You can use a garden hose to clean the condenser fins (the thin metal blades) or use a fin cleaning comb.
Check the Refrigerant
Refrigerant is what your air conditioning system uses to cool your home. If your system runs low on refrigerant, it can impact its performance, leading to higher energy bills and a warmer home. If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it used to, this could be a sign of low refrigerant levels. Contact a qualified technician, like those at Home Heating Service, Inc., to inspect and refill the refrigerant levels in your system.
Inspect the Ductwork
Your ductwork carries the cool air to your rooms, but over time, cracks and gaps can develop, leading to air leaks. This reduces the efficiency of your air conditioning system and can lead to higher energy bills. Inspect your ductwork for cracks and gaps and seal them with duct sealing tape or mastic.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
While you can do some air conditioner maintenance tasks yourself, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance with a qualified technician. A professional technician can inspect and clean your system, confirm that the refrigerant and electrical connections are working correctly, and identify any worn or damaged parts. Schedule maintenance appointments at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your air conditioning system runs smoothly and efficiently during the sweltering summer months. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that you get the most out of your system while keeping your energy bills low. Don’t forget to schedule regular professional maintenance so that you can catch any issues before they become major problems. By doing so, you can extend the life of your HVAC system, keep your home cool and comfortable, and save money on energy bills in the process.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
