A sweaty nightmare, isn’t it? The good news is that most such disasters can be prevented by caring for your air conditioner properly. After all, just like your car needs a tune-up every now and then, so does your AC need a little bit of love. Otherwise, you may end up staying sweaty and uncomfortable for the entire season.
Don’t worry! We got you! Here are the most vital maintenance tips to keep you cool and help you avoid both expensive repairs and the urge to put aloe vera on everything.
Breathe Easy: Check Your Air Filter
Your air conditioner’s filter: the lungs of your soothing friend. It cleans dust, pollen, and other air pollution, so you make the most out of your cool home. However, just like you, if it doesn’t “cough” all the time due to a cold. When the filter is filled with dust and debris, the airflow is blocked too. Thus, it has to work harder to pump out cold air. As long as the system works harder, it wastes more energy and produces more expensive energy bills.
Oh, and it won’t be too long until you see your AC make an exit for good. So, what’s the solution? Most filters must be checked once a month. If you see a layer of dust, you should either clean or replace your filter. Remember, if you have a lot of dust in your house or a pet hanging around, you might need to clean more regularly. Make sure to check your AC’s filter guidelines to know how often when it comes to cleaning and replacing. Tip: Maybe it’s worth dusting the air vents around your home.
Another key factor contributing to your AC’s performance is the coil system.
Your air conditioner has two sets of coils: the evaporator coil, which is located indoors, and the condenser coil, which is located outdoors. The evaporator coil absorbs the air’s heat in your house, whereas the condenser coil releases this heat to the outside. Throughout the years, both of the coils may accumulate dirt, grime, and other pollutants. A grimy evaporator coil will not let the unit absorb the air’s heat efficiently, and a filthy condenser coil will not allow it to release the heat easily.
The end result is an inefficient AC system that cannot cool your house effectively. Once again, scheduling a system cleaning with professionals at least once a year is a good idea. Ideally, this service should be organized before the summer heats up.
The homeowner can also address this issue personally if he wishes to. In particular, turn off your AC unit before proceeding any further. To remove the debris from the condenser coil, use a soft brush or adjust the vacuum to the lowest setting. Be very careful; the condenser fins are very delicate and can bend easily. In this way, you preserve the performance of the transformer and ensure the appropriate conditions of your house stay uninterrupted.
Moreover, as has been said earlier, there must be nothing that can hamper the airflow from the outdoor condenser unit installed. To this end, there must be nothing put at a close range from the unit. Make sure there are no trees or shrubs within two feet of your condenser unit. Do not leave any leaves, twigs, or other debris lying on or around the unit. For better consumer rights protection, refrain from putting a condenser unit in a place where it can receive direct sunlight in the most sweltering hours of the day. On the other hand, the shade helps improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and lowers the risk of it prematurely breaking. And, like your car, your air conditioner might try to tell you something.
Here are some warning signs to look out for; when you notice any of the following:
Unusual: grinding, banging, clanging, or other weird noise. Dirt and debris can obstruct airflow, leading to reduced cooling. Continued operation with a condensate drain clogged, causing water leaks around the indoor unit. Inspect your air conditioner for airflow or leaks.
Increasing energy bills: If your utility bills are increasing even though the use is constant, your system is working extra hard to keep your house cool. Be alert for warning signs, but approach them with respect. Consulting a qualified HVAC technician will be the smartest course of action for you if you detect any warning signs.
Ignore them, and they can become more complex—and more expensive to repair. By following the guidelines provided above and working closely with local air conditioning professionals, you can avoid expensive disruptions and remain cool and comfortable throughout summer. So, fight panic this summer and turn the worst-case scenario into a cooling tender experience!
Do You Want to Go the Extra Mile? To take proactive measures to the next level, consider setting up an appointment with an HVAC professional for an annual maintenance check. Such a check should include a total unit cleaning, key part inspection, and performance adjustment. While you may be charged a fee for this service, it could prevent devastating repairs and therefore save you money in the long run.
Get an Upgrade? Even the most frequent maintenance will not be enough if your air conditioning device is almost at the end of its life. To do so, buy air conditioning units that are more cost-effective. Some air-conditioner models make use of the most cutting-edge technologies available, and you might be able to save a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. There you have it! By providing some love to your air conditioner and avoiding setbacks, you’ll be able to rely on a fantastic air quality remedy to freshen up and take back the season.
