Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer – What You Need to Know
As the temperatures start to rise, now is the time to make sure your air conditioner is in good working order. After all, you don’t want to be stuck in the heat when it hits! Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your AC for summer:
The importance of maintaining your air conditioner
Having a functioning air conditioner is important for staying comfortable indoors regardless of the weather. Aside from offering climate control benefits, regular maintenance of your air conditioner can also have significant health advantages. For example, keeping your air conditioner clean and running properly will help improve air quality – this can be especially helpful for those with allergies or asthma who rely heavily on their air conditioning system. Additionally, a well-maintained air conditioner can extend its lifespan so you’ll be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing your heating system won’t need to be replaced often. Taking some simple steps to routinely check and clean your unit, as well as having an AC repair and installation technician inspect it once per year, can go a long way in ensuring optimal performance levels for years to come.
How to clean your air conditioner
Cleaning your air conditioner is an important part of a system maintenance program. Air conditioners accumulate dirt, dust, pet hair and other allergens which can reduce its effectiveness and energy efficiency. With regular servicing, you can ensure that your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible. To get the best cleaning results for an air conditioner, you should start by removing any debris or dirt on the outside components before rinsing with a garden hose. You should also make sure the surrounding area, such as window sills and frames, are cleaned to eliminate dust particles in the surrounding environment entering the unit itself. Make sure to vacuum dirt from around the grilles and grates on both the inside and outside units to clear out damaging dander. Finally, replace any filters that may have become dirty or clogged while completing this cleaning process.
When to replace your air conditioner’s filter
When it comes to keeping your air conditioner working regularly, one of the simplest and most cost-effective things you can do is change the filter. In order to ensure maximum performance from your air conditioner, experts recommend that you replace the filter every three months or so. You might want to change the filter more frequently if you have pets or allergies, as an added layer of protection against the accumulation of dust and other common pollutants. If filters are neglected, they lead to reduced energy efficiency, worse air quality, and increased operational problems with your unit, requiring costly repairs down the road.
How to troubleshoot common air conditioning problems
Most air conditioning issues stem from a lack of maintenance. Regular filter changes, system checks and preventive repairs can help to keep your air conditioner running efficiently all summer long. If you’re noticing unexpected things like odd noises coming from your unit or inefficient cooling, there are some checks you can do yourself before scheduling service with a professional. For instance, check to see if your thermostat settings need adjusting; if not there could be an underlying issue with something like blocked condenser coils or clogged drain lines that may need servicing. Whatever the case may be, taking the time to troubleshoot common air conditioner problems can lead to faster resolution and help you avoid major repair costs down the road.
Be sure to schedule regular maintenance appointments and change your filter regularly to prevent expensive repairs in the future. By following these simple tips, you can use your air conditioner more efficiently and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
