Whether you live in an area that’s hot most of the year or have air conditioning there for the warm summer months, every homeowner’s worst nightmare is for their AC unit to fail on a hot day. Whether you’re using it on almost a daily basis or tend to have it switched off for the cooler fall and winter months, looking after your air conditioning unit is absolutely essential for making sure that it never lets you down. And when your air conditioner is working well, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills and even more comfort at home. We’ve put together some essential steps for giving your air conditioning unit the care it needs to stay in top shape.
#1. Check the Air Filter Regularly:
One of the easiest, and also one of the most important things that you can do to keep your air conditioner working well is check the filters on a regular basis. Changing the air filter is so important, because it prevents dirt from building up and creating a barrier that will restrict the airflow to the unit. And when your AC unit has a restricted airflow, it can lead to serious issues like less cool air coming from the vents, or a frozen evaporator coil. So, don’t wait until your filters are seriously clogged before doing something about it. Checking regularly will give you a good idea of when a change is needed. Check every 1-2 months and change the filter even if there’s just a small layer of dirt.
#2. Get Your Ducts Sealed:
It’s not just the unit itself that you need to be mindful of; in fact, there are several things around the home that you can do in order to ensure that your AC unit is working as efficiently as possible. Ducts are a common one; your home might have duct leakage which can lead to wasted money on your energy bill when your air conditioning unit is running, as it will cause the unit to work harder than it needs to keep your home at the right temperature. You should contact a professional to check and seal your ducts. This involves using a mastic sealant or metal tape to cover any holes and leaks, insulating around the ducts, and refitting and sealing any ducts that are poorly connected.
#3. Schedule Maintenance at Least Once a Year:
For your AC unit to continue working in top shape all year round, getting it serviced by a professional is an absolute must. Think of it like changing the oil in your car; if you didn’t you’d eventually be hit with a costly repair bill. Maintenance increases the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, along with giving you the chance to discover any small issues that could become bigger as time goes on if they are left unchecked. You can search for “air conditioning service near me” to find a reputable professional who can carry out your regular service and any necessary repairs for you.
#4. Don’t Ignore Repairs:
Whether it’s a minor or a major problem, making sure that any issues with your AC unit are rectified as quickly as possible is crucial to keep it running as efficiently as possible, and avoiding any further and bigger issues down the line. It can be tempting to ignore signs that your air conditioning needs repair if it seems to be working alright, but not taking any action now can cost you significantly more in the long run. Whether there are strange sounds or a funny smell coming from your vents, contact a professional as soon as possible to have the issue diagnosed and repaired.
#5. Caring for Outdoor Units:
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, then you’ll need to take even more care of it as there’s more variables that could lead to it breaking. You’ll need to check it on a regular basis to ensure that it is kept free from debris and dirt that could prevent it from working correctly. And as tempting as it can be, don’t cover your AC unit up whilst it’s being used, as this could damage the condenser – the unit that is responsible for taking all the warm air from your home and dumping at outside. Make sure that it is not covered by outdoor furniture or plants as this will mean that the heat cannot escape as quickly, causing your system to put even more work in to cool your home effectively.
Taking these steps to look after your AC unit all year around will ensure that it’s in top shape for those hot summer days.
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