AC units are vital in the summer as this utility keeps your home cool. No one would like his air conditioner to break down in a heatwave. AC maintenance is not only required for the proper working of an air conditioning system; it also prevents costly repairs.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the best maintenance practices that could elongate the life of your air conditioner and avert expensive AC repair bills.
Why is Regular AC Maintenance essential?
An air conditioner is no exception to other appliances that require regular maintenance to work correctly. As time passes, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on the unit; therefore, part of the system load increases and eventually breaks the AC system. Routine maintenance recognizes and solves minor problems before they become significant issues.
Here are a few important benefits of routine AC maintenance –
Increased Comfort: A good AC unit will stabilize temperatures inside your house, making your home more livable.
Extended Lifespan: Proper maintenance will help you extend the life of your air conditioner further; you will enjoy the use of your investment for many more years to come.
Better Air Indoor Quality – It produces better indoor air quality since it removes dust and allergens.
Increased Efficiency – An efficiently maintained system, for one, operates more efficiently and thus saves energy and reduces utility bills.
Best Maintenance Schedule for Home AC
- Replace or Clean Air Filters
A dirty air filter attracts dust and prevents air from circulating throughout your home, causes the system to work harder, and be less efficient.
Solution: Use HEPA filters for better filtration. Check your filters monthly and replace or clean them every 1-3 months based on usage and the filter type.
- Clean the Condenser Coils
Condenser coils- generally located outside- usually dissipate the condensation. When these condenser coils are soiled, they cannot dissipate heat very effectively. This makes the system work harder and wastes more and more energy.
Solution: Use a soft cloth to remove loose dirts from the coils. For stricter dirt buildup, you can use a garden hose-rinse. As long as you have turned off the electricity powering the unit,
- Check the ductwork for leaks
Leaks in the ducts can be a massive waste of energy, indicating a less efficient AC system and higher electricity bills.
Solution: Inspect visible ductwork for worn spots- look for gaps, holes, or loose sections. Seal with duct tape or mastic sealant, but have a professional inspect the rest.
- Clean Debris from the Outdoor Unit
The condenser unit needs adequate airflow to work correctly. Material like leaves, grass, or furniture can block airflow and make the system overheat.
Solution: Keep a minimum two-foot clearance on all sides of the condenser unit. Clean debris regularly and trim back bushes or plants that seem to creep into the area.
- Check on System Performance
Monitor your AC’s operation. Noises, reduced airflow, or high energy bills might indicate something is amiss.
Solution: Keep monitoring your AC operation during the summer. Take prompt action when you notice any changes, and call for professional help.
- Professional Tune-Ups
A homeowner can address most routine maintenance items for AC Repair, but professional tune-ups go a long way to rectify issues that you cannot see.
Solution: Schedule an annual tune-up from a professional in an air conditioning service before the summer season. A technician will inspect comprehensively, clean critical components, and ensure everything is correct.
- Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels often indicate system leakage, which decreases cooling ability. Most importantly, low refrigerant levels compel the compressor to work hard, which can quickly heat the compressor and destroy it.
Solution: You may need to check refrigerant levels sometimes. If you identify a drop, you should get an HVAC technician to scan the system for leaks and recharge it.
- Test the Drainage System
Any condensation a cooling system produces must be drained away. A blocked drain line can cause water damage and increase humidity indoors.
Solution: Check for blockage in the condensate drain line. Flush it with vinegar or a special cleaning solution to keep it open. Make sure the drain pan is clean and free from obstructions.
Conclusion
Preventive AC repair is prevention from expensive repairs. When followed in your daily routine, these practices ensure that the air conditioner works smoothly and naturally. It is an excellent way of saving money by not performing multiple repairs and provides comfort and better air quality all around your house.
Remember that no matter how valuable the DIY work is, call in a professional for more technical maintenance aspects. The time and energy you invest will pay off in terms of comfort and savings and enable you to have a fantastic, stress-free summer.
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