As the summer heat approaches, we begin to rely on our air conditioner to keep us cool and comfortable. Without it, summer days at home can be very difficult, and very sweaty.
However, in order for your AC to work as best as possible, it needs to be maintained. There are few things worse than going to turn on the AC for the first time on a hot day, and having it not work.
Properly maintaining your unit is a good way to ensure that doesn’t happen. With that in mind, let’s go over some ways you should be maintaining your air conditioner to keep it in working condition as long as possible.
Call in a Professional
Perhaps the best way to keep your air conditioner working well is to call in a professional from time to time to get an air conditioner tune-up.
These experts will come in and inspect all aspects of your system, test it out, and make sure everything is functioning normally.
Even if nothing seems wrong with your system, it is a good idea to call in an expert to make sure. Hidden problems can begin to develop undetected, and if left alone, can cause major issues down the road. They could flat out destroy your system, or even reduce how effective it can be.
You should have someone in at least once a year to make sure all is good, and there are no signs of issues or problems developing.
This comes with a cost, but is much cheaper than having to replace your entire air conditioner after neglecting it for years.
Be sure to do some research to ensure you find a company that is not only priced fairly, but also has a good reputation for doing solid work.
Change Out the Filter
In between visits from a professional to ensure all is in order, there are some things that you yourself can do to keep your air conditioner working well. One of the best things to do is to change out your air filter.
The filter in your HVAC system functions to keep dust and dirt out of the system, in order to keep it running efficiently and keep it clean.
But over time, this filter gets so clogged up that it begins to reduce and somewhat block the flow of air through the system. This makes your system work harder, for no reason.
By changing this filter, you are ensuring you are not only keeping debris out of the system, but also ensuring a well-working AC unit. In most cases, you should be changing your air filter quite frequently.
How long exactly you wait depends on a couple of things. Some filters can last a few months, while others may only be able to be effective for one. Also, having pets or children generally means you should change out your filter more often, too.
Ensure Your Ductwork is in Good Shape
Next, you want to ensure that your ductwork is in good shape. When many people report issues with their air conditioner not working well and not delivering enough air, a common reason is the ductwork.
If your ducts have gaps, leaks, or are damaged in another way, they could be letting the cold air out before it has reached its rightful destination.
A dirty or clogged duct can also have the same effect, so consider having a professional come out to clean and/or inspect your ducts to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary.
Also, sometimes it isn’t your ducts that are leading to weak air making its way through your home. You need to check all of your vents and registers to ensure they aren’t blocked.
A register that is blocked by furniture or a pile of clothing will not be able to disperse air throughout the home like it should.
Keep a Good Seal From the Outside
Keeping hot outdoor air during the summer out of your home is another good way to keep your AC in good shape. If you have a ton of gaps, leaks, or cracks in your walls, you are letting in hot air that is forcing the air conditioner to work harder to reach your desired temperature.
Even leaving windows open when running the air can reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner, and make your monthly bills much more expensive. To reduce these leaks and ensure your home has a tight seal, make sure you are air sealing your home.
You need to find these potential gaps, and fill or fix them as soon as possible. These can technically be found anywhere, but are generally found around doors and windows.
We hope this article has been able to help you keep your air conditioner in good condition for as long as possible.