4 Tips for Maintaining Your Home AC
During the heat of summer, there is nothing worse than coming home to find your air conditioner not working properly. It can be frustrating and expensive to fix AC issues when it’s sweltering hot outside. The good news: it’s easy to prevent last-minute AC problems with proper maintenance year-round. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner in top working condition.
1) Change the Filter Regularly
The air filter in your unit works by trapping dirt, allergens, and other particles that are pulled into the system. This not only provides you with clean air for your home, but it also keeps the dirt from clogging up the coils. A dirty filter is the most common cause of air conditioning problems so make sure your filter is always kept clean.
Changing your air filter regularly is one of the most important tools for maintaining your HVAC system. To determine how often you should change your filter, ask yourself these questions: How many pets are in the home? Does anyone in the home have respiratory issues such as asthma? Does the air filter look dirty? If you’re unsure, an AC professional can determine the right schedule needed to regularly change your filter.
2) Check Your Thermostat
Another important step to keeping your home’s temperature cool and comfortable is to ensure your thermostat is working properly. If your thermostat is not engaging your unit, this can damage your system and raise your electric bill. When checking your thermostat for damage, look at the lights that display the temperature on the front panel. If these lights are dim or not showing up, your batteries probably need to be replaced.
This is usually as simple as taking the front panel off and changing the batteries. If you can hear your fan running constantly or not at all, you may need a new thermostat or there may be a problem with the wiring. Electrical wiring issues on any part of your AC system need to be addressed by a professional who has the proper tools and safety equipment for the job. Never attempt to DIY wiring problems.
3) Keep Your Outside Unit Free of Grass
It’s important to regularly inspect your outside unit. Remember to always keep the grass trimmed and pull any weeds that are surrounding the unit. This will ensure nothing is getting tangled up in the fan or wires causing major damage to your system. Additionally, check for any debris or trash. The fan needs to be clear of all obstruction to run properly.
4) Have Your AC Serviced Yearly
If you decide to go the DIY route with your AC maintenance, it’s still important to have your unit serviced by a professional at least once a year. Since your air conditioner will be working overtime in the heat of summer, have a professional look at your system before summer begins.
An AC technician can use the proper tools for in-depth cleaning while also identifying any problems that need to be addressed. This will prevent bigger problems later on, saving you time, money, and frustration.
AC maintenance is an essential part of keeping your unit running properly. With the help of a trustworthy AC professional in your area and a little elbow grease of your own, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
