On the hottest days of the year, you rely on your air conditioning unit to keep you and your family cool and comfortable. Today, it’s a crucial appliance that prevents people from getting sick due to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. That’s why it’s vital to keep the unit in excellent condition to best serve you on days you need it the most.
However, like any mechanical system, air conditioning (AC) units require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and effectively. Neglecting regular maintenance, such as not cleaning your AC, can lead to severe problems down the road, causing a unit breakdown or a costly repair.
The good news is that following some simple dos and don’ts of AC maintenance can help ensure your unit operates at peak performance for years to come. This post will cover the most important dos and don’ts you can follow to keep your AC unit running smoothly, so read on.
Do Change The Air Filter Regularly
A clean air filter ensures the unit runs efficiently, lasts longer, and helps save on energy costs. It’s recommended to check the air filter monthly and replace it every three months or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Neglecting to do this can lead to various problems, such as reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the unit.
Do Keep The Area Around The Unit Clear
Remove any debris that may have accumulated around the unit, such as leaves, twigs, or trash. It’s also essential to keep the area around the unit clear of any obstacles, such as furniture, plants, or other items that may block the airflow. Keeping the area around the unit clean and clear helps ensure it has proper ventilation and can function at its best.
Do Regular Schedule Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help identify and fix minor problems before they become more extensive and costly. It can also improve the unit’s energy efficiency, potentially saving you money on energy bills. Some tasks that should be performed during regular maintenance include cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking and tightening electrical connections, cleaning the coils and fins, and lubricating any moving parts.
Do Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperature settings for different times of the day, making it easy to adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs. It can help improve your AC unit’s energy efficiency, as you can set the temperature higher when you’re not at home or sleeping and lower it when you’re awake and need to cool the house. It can reduce your unit’s energy, potentially saving you money on energy bills. Additionally, a programmable thermostat can help extend your AC unit’s lifespan by reducing the amount of wear and tear on the unit.
Don’t Attempt To Repair The Unit Yourself
Air conditioning units contain complex mechanical and electrical components requiring specialized knowledge and repair tools. Attempting to repair the unit yourself can be dangerous and cause more damage, making it more expensive to fix.
If the unit is not repaired correctly, it can lead to poor performance and reduced energy efficiency. It’s best to leave the repairs to a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician with experience, knowledge, and tools to diagnose and repair the problem correctly. It will ensure that the repair is done safely and correctly and will prolong the life of your AC unit.
Don’t Ignore Strange Noises Or Odors
Strange noises or odors from your AC unit can be signs of a problem that requires attention and should be addressed as soon as possible. Strange noises, such as rattling or squealing, can indicate a problem with the fan or the compressor, while musty odors can indicate mold or bacteria growth inside the unit.
Ignoring these issues can lead to more severe problems, such as damage to the unit, reduced energy efficiency, or even health hazards. If you notice any strange noises or odors coming from your AC unit, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Don’t Cover The Unit
The unit requires proper ventilation to function properly. Covering it can restrict airflow, causing it to work harder to cool your home, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage.
Covering the unit can also trap moisture inside, leading to the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can cause health hazards. Suppose, for some reason, you need to cover the unit. In that case, it’s best to consult with the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional HVAC technician to ensure the proper way of doing it.
Don’t Ignore High Electricity Bills
A sudden increase in energy bills can indicate that your AC unit is not running efficiently. Various issues, such as a dirty air filter, poor insulation, or a malfunctioning unit, could cause this.
Ignoring these issues can lead to increased energy consumption, resulting in higher bills and potential damage. If you notice a sudden increase in your electricity bills, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Conclusion
Regular AC maintenance is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your AC unit. Following the dos and don’ts outlined in this post can keep your AC running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home all summer long.
