As the heat of summer starts to descend, having a properly working air conditioner is crucial for keeping your home cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to properly maintain their AC units, resulting in decreased efficiency and increased repair bills.
To help you keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape, we’ve put together six practical maintenance tips. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy cool, comfortable indoor temperatures all summer long without having to worry about your AC unit breaking down.
Clean The Air Filters Every Month
The air filter in your home helps to keep the air clean and free of allergens, dust, and other particles. However, over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing its effectiveness.
For this reason, it is important to clean the air filter on a regular basis. The frequency with which you need to clean the filter will depend on the type of filter you have and the environment in which you live. In general, however, the HVAC experts at Blue Water Climate Control recommend you clean your air filter at least once a month, or more often if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area. Just be sure to check your AC unit’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to clean the filter.
Inspect The Outdoor Unit For Any Debris Or Obstructions
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is responsible for dissipating the heat that is pulled from your home. To do this effectively, the unit must have adequate airflow. Unfortunately, over time, the unit can become obstructed by debris such as leaves, dirt, and twigs. This can not only reduce the efficiency of your AC unit, but it can also lead to costly repairs.
To avoid this, it is important to inspect the outdoor unit of your AC unit on a regular basis and remove any debris or obstructions that you find. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of trees or other vegetation, as these can be major sources of debris.
Check The Refrigerant Level
The refrigerant in your air conditioner is what helps to cool the air as it passes through the unit. Over time, however, the level of refrigerant can drop, reducing the efficiency of your AC unit. In some cases, a low refrigerant level can also cause damage to the unit.
For this reason, it is important to have your AC unit’s refrigerant level checked on a regular basis. This is a job that should be left to a qualified HVAC technician, as they will have the equipment and experience necessary to properly check the refrigerant level and add more if necessary.
Clean Your Ceiling Outlets
Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on your ceiling outlets, which can then be sucked into your air conditioning system. To clean them, simply remove the grilles and vacuum the dust off the blades. You should also wipe down the rest of the unit with a damp cloth to remove any other build-up.
If you don’t know where all your ceiling outlets are, take a look at your air conditioning unit’s manual. This will help you locate them so you can clean them properly. You can also find them in your home’s or apartment’s building plans.
Check Your Thermostat Setting
Your thermostat plays a critical role in the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. If it is set too low, your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to increased energy bills. On the other hand, if it is set too high, you may not be comfortable.
For this reason, it is important to check your thermostat setting on a regular basis and adjust it as necessary. In general, you should set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and 80 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away or sleeping. However, you may need to adjust this depending on the outside temperature and your personal preferences.
Unclog The Drain
One of the most common problems with air conditioners is a clogged drain. The drain line helps to remove condensation from the unit, but if it becomes clogged, the condensation can back up into the unit and cause damage. In some cases, a clogged drain can also lead to water leakage.
If you think your air conditioner’s drain line may be clogged, the best thing to do is to have a qualified HVAC technician take a look. They will be able to unclog the drain and clear any blockages that may be causing the problem.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the things you can do to maintain your air conditioning unit. By following these tips, you can help to keep your AC unit in good working condition and avoid costly repairs.
