Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing: air conditioners are working overtime. Keeping your AC unit running efficiently is important not only for your comfort but also for your wallet. A broken air conditioner can be costly to repair, so it’s important to take the time to maintain it properly.
Apart from HVAC system repairs, completely replacing your system is also an option you may have to consider if it’s not working as efficiently as it used to. But, with a few tips and some preventative maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long.
In this article, we will discuss eight tips that will help you keep your AC unit in good shape and avoid costly AC repairs!
1. Change your air filters every month for peak performance and avoid ac repair
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to maintain your air conditioner is to change your air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, causing your AC unit to work harder than necessary to cool your home. This not only decreases the efficiency of your unit but also puts unnecessary strain on the system, which can lead to ac repair.
To avoid this, be sure to check your air filters every month and change them as needed. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to change it more or less often. However, a general rule of thumb is to change your air filters at least once a month during the summer months.
If you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area, you may need to change your filters more often. Checking and changing your air filters is a simple and easy way to maintain your AC unit and avoid costly repairs.
Tip: Set a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to check and change your air filters!
2. Inspect the coils and fins for dirt and debris buildup
Another important part of AC maintenance is cleaning the coils and fins on your unit. These parts can easily become clogged with dirt and debris, which can restrict airflow and cause your unit to overwork itself.
To clean the coils and fins on your AC unit, you’ll need to:
- Turn off the power to your unit
- Remove the fans
- Clean the coils and fins with a soft brush (be careful not to bend or damage them)
- Vacuum any dirt or debris from the area
- Replace the fans and turn on the power to your unit
Cleaning the coils and fins on your AC unit is important for maintaining airflow and preventing costly repairs. AC expansion valve repair is one common repair that can be caused by dirt and debris buildup on the coils.
3. Keep the area around your AC unit clear of obstructions
Trimming back any foliage that’s grown too close to the unit and making sure it has at least two feet of clearance on all sides will help your AC run more efficiently. It will also discourage small animals from nesting inside the unit, which could cause major damage.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to install it in a way that allows for proper drainage. Many people make the mistake of blocking the unit’s drainage hole, which can cause water to leak into your home.
Installing awnings or shading over windows that get direct sunlight will also help keep your home cooler and reduce the strain on your AC unit. An AC repair cost can be avoided by making sure your unit has proper clearance and drainage.
4. Make sure the vents are open and unblocked
Air conditioning unit vents should always be open and unblocked to allow for proper airflow. Closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a good way to save energy, but it can actually put a strain on your system and cause it to break down.
In addition, make sure that any furniture or other items are not blocking the vents in your home. This includes making sure that drapes or blinds are not hanging over the vents. Air conditioner repair service providers say that having blocked vents is one of the most common reasons they are called out to homes.
If you have any questions about whether your vents are properly positioned or not, don’t hesitate to contact Intelligent Design. Our team of professionals will be happy to take a look and ensure that your vents are positioned correctly and that nothing is blocking them.
5. Schedule annual maintenance visits with a professional technician
Air conditioning systems are complex pieces of machinery, and they require regular maintenance to stay running properly. Scheduling an annual maintenance visit with a professional technician is the best way to keep your system in good working order.
During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean the coils, check the Freon level, inspect the electrical components, and lubricate all moving parts. These simple steps can help prevent expensive repairs down the road.
It’s also a good idea to have the technician take a look at your ductwork during the maintenance visit. Any leaks or holes in your ductwork can cause your system to work harder than it needs to, which will lead to higher energy bills and shortened equipment life.
If you’re not sure how often you should have your system serviced, the team at Intelligent Design can help. We recommend that our customers in Tucson, AZ have their systems serviced once a year. However, if you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you may need to schedule more frequent visits.
6. Turn off your AC when you’re not home or when it’s not needed
One of the best ways to save energy and money is to turn off your air conditioner when you’re not home or when it’s not needed. For example, if you leave for work at eight in the morning and don’t come home until six at night, there’s no need to keep your air conditioning units running all day.
In addition, if you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to turn off the central air conditioner when you’re not home and turn it back on shortly before you arrive. This way, you won’t come home to a hot and stuffy house, and you won’t be wasting energy all day.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, now is a good time to invest in one. They are relatively inexpensive and can end up paying for themselves in energy savings over time.
7. Service your compressor or condenser
Central air conditioners have two major components: the compressor, which is located outside, and the air condenser, which is located inside. Both need regular maintenance. You should have a professional service your compressor and condenser at least once a year.
Air handler replacement costs can be expensive, so it’s important to have a professional service your compressor and condenser at least once a year. Geothermal air conditioning units are becoming more popular in Tucson as they are an environmentally friendly option.
If you have an evaporator coil, it is also important to have it serviced regularly to avoid hot air buildup. AC repair services can be found all over Tucson, so you should have no trouble finding a reputable company to service your air conditioner.
8. Be sure to change your air conditioner’s filter
Air conditioning equipment is designed to move air through a system of ducts and filters. The filter’s purpose is to remove dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from the air before entering the ductwork.
Over time, filters become clogged with debris and can no longer do their job effectively. When this happens, the air conditioner must work harder to move air through the system, leading to higher energy bills and shortened equipment life.
It’s important to change your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis. How often you need to do this will depend on the type of filter you have and the environment in which you live. For example, if you live in a dusty area or have pets, you may need to change the filter more often than someone who doesn’t.
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By following these eight tips, you can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner and avoid costly repairs. If you have any concerns about your AC unit, be sure to contact a professional for help. In the meantime, enjoy cool, comfortable indoor temperatures all summer long!
Looking for more ways to stay comfortable this summer? Check out our blog Air Conditioning in Tucson: Your Guide to a Cool Summer, for more tips and tricks!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. We’ll help you choose the best AC system for your home and provide expert installation services. Stay cool all summer long with Intelligent Design!