Warmer weather is almost here, and with it comes a renewed focus on ac maintenance. An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout the year. Moreover, when an air conditioning system is regularly maintained, it won’t just preserve its performance standard, but also saves you from unexpected and expensive repair costs.
It doesn’t take much time to conduct early-season ac maintenance. You just need to follow a few simple steps. The best time to use these tips is just before each cooling season begins. Let’s get started by first making sure the power has been shut off. Do this by shutting off the power at the circuit breaker box.
Check ac filters – The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged air filters are caused by dust, mold, and fungal spores and are the major culprit for air conditioning system failure. Blocked air filters impede the normal flow of air and reduce the efficiency of the unit. It is imperative to check the AC filter every three months for any signs of obstruction.
Check the ac coils – The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over the life of the unit. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Check the evaporator drain – The ac unit works by blowing the warm, humid air from your home through the evaporator coil. The cold coil cools the air and causes the collection of condensation. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing this humidity and the buildup of condensation. Use a wire or a shop vac to make sure the drain is clear.
Check the coil fins – The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Since any reduction in air-flow through the fins can reduce efficiency, carefully straighten bent fins. If the fins are dirty, use a shop vac to remove as much dirt as possible. Then use a gentle stream of water to rinse the fins.
See if you need a new AC unit – Installing a new air conditioner is very much looked-for, particularly if the repair cost is expensive and unbearable. If you’re going to install a new AC unit, now is the right time. Also, the early days of summer provide you with the best deals on the latest ac unit.
Hire a professional –When it comes to preserving your air conditioning, there are a lot of precautionary things that you can do yourself. However, there are maintenance procedures that only a trained HVAC technician will be able to do.
Calling experts for seasonal maintenance greatly helps in keeping your air conditioning running at peak performance. Since they understand the ins and outs of HVAC, you can expect a reliable service all the time. Certain procedures can be out of reach of the regular homeowner, such as testing refrigerant levels or the integrity of your duct system. So don’t hesitate and call your nearby air conditioning specialists. They can recommend the best solution for utmost performance and air quality.