Keeping your air conditioner running efficiently isn’t only a matter of comfort, but it also proves to be a matter of safety and health. For instance, if you live in a hotter region, your interior temperature may reach a dangerous peak. Also, the air conditioner helps control humidity, which prevents the growth of mold and mildew, keeping your respiratory system healthy.
Unfortunately, air conditioning issues are inevitable and would only be more likely to happen the longer you go without performing any necessary repair. Luckily, some professionals offer heating and air conditioning repair services near you. Below are the other essential care and maintenance tips for your air conditioner:
- Replace Or Clean Air Conditioner’s Filters
Replace your filter or clean it if you’re using a reusable one. It’s one of the most crucial air conditioner maintenances, and doing it every month can make a difference to your unit’s efficiency.
Depending on the unit you have, you can find air filters in the slot on the top, side, or bottom of your furnace. Filters may also be located behind the air grille on the wall or inside the blower compartment.
Once the filter becomes full of allergen, dust, and dirt particles, the airflow reduces. It makes your system work harder, consuming more energy. Moreover, air flowing through your system can be dustier and dirtier, triggering asthma and allergy symptoms and affecting your indoor air quality.
The best solution is to install quality air filters. Affordable fiberglass air filters won’t capture small particles, such as viruses, pollen, and bacteria, and should be changed every month. However, it depends on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV); a pleated filter may capture those things. In fact, the higher the rating, the more pollutants the filter can capture.
- Check Your Unit’s Fins
The outdoor part of your air conditioner will require extra attention as you perform maintenance. So, make sure to inspect your unit’s fins to see the amount of debris and dirt. Get rid of the outer covers and clear away dirt using a vacuum. Then, use a garden hose to eliminate the remaining debris.
When the fins are clear, have a closer look to see if there are bent areas. It’s because bent areas may affect the airflow. To fix this, use a butter knife to straighten the fins back in place.
- Check The Components And Wiring
The internal connections of your air conditioners are essential for smoother operation. What you don’t know about them might hurt your pocketbook from inefficient cooling, so it’s wise to check the wiring at least once a year.
While the unit is turned off, remove the access panel and search for any signs of overheating. For example, it may include melted insulation on wires and burned-looking or blackened wires. Moreover, go ahead and check for electrical connections to ensure they’re tight. If you have a test meter, check the unit’s capacitors.
If you notice some problems and don’t know how to fix them, call a professional to do the work for you. If you’re not comfortable checking such parts, there’s nothing to worry about because your hired professionals can include it in your unit’s annual checkup.
- Clean The Coils
Another part of your air conditioner preventative maintenance that you should prioritize is the coils. The condenser coil and evaporator coil of your unit may collect dirt through the years. This stuck-on debris may lessen airflow that may cause the coil to be insulated, which lessens its ability to absorb heat. Such problems may lead to an inefficient system. To avoid that, clean them properly.
- Check Your Condenser’s Fan
To ensure that your air conditioner works properly, you should check your condenser’s fan to see if it’s working. To do this, turn off your unit and check the fan’s blades for any signs of cracks or chips. If you spot some problems, don’t hesitate to replace them properly. If you have older units, you might want to oil the fan motor to ensure smoother operation.
- Keep The Outdoor Parts Clear
Debris around and on your outdoor air conditioner may cause serious issues during the summer months. Be sure to rake away leaves and debris around your air conditioner and cut back shrubs and branches to ensure that they won’t block the unit’s airflow. If you have vegetation nearby, keep it trimmed to prevent blockage during summer.
Final Thoughts
Proper care and maintenance for air conditioners will keep you comfortable during the hottest season. Moreover, it may save you money and energy. If you can’t do maintenance regularly, make sure to schedule general tune-ups twice a year. Professionals can inspect and lubricate every system part for better functionality and efficiency while ensuring that your unit runs at optimal performance.
