When it’s hot, you want your air conditioner to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. The more you understand about your AC before the heat of summer arrives, the better prepared you’ll be when hot weather sets in. Keeping your AC in top shape is not only good for its longevity but also good for your wallet. Maintaining an operating cooling system instead of replacing it can save you money in the long run. Read on to discover some fast facts about your air conditioning system and helpful maintenance tips to increase its lifespan and efficiency throughout this upcoming summer season.
Did You Know?
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For every increase of 18°F in the indoor air temperature, the amount of air flowing through your AC system is reduced by 10%. So before you even turn on your AC, make sure you have it properly installed and the indoor coil is clean and free from debris. If you don’t change your air filters, your AC unit will have to work harder and use more energy than it needs to.
If the air filters are too dirty, the air flow will be restricted. An air filter that’s too dirty can reduce the life of your AC by up to 50%! That’s why it’s crucial to check the AC’s air filters every one to two months. If you don’t clean the air filters as often as you should, it can cause more than just a bit of frustration. The dirty filters can increase your energy usage by up to 30%.
When your AC’s cooling coils get clogged with dirt, debris, and grime, it reduces their effectiveness. Even the smallest amount of debris in the coils can lead to big problems. If the coils are dirty, they could overheat and blow a fuse. It could also lower your home’s indoor air quality. Having professional air conditioner cleaning carried out once a year is a good idea.
Check The Filter
As mentioned above, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your AC is to make sure the filter is clean and in good working order. You can use a vacuum to clean out the filter. Another option is to use a paper towel to wipe down the filter. Alternatively, if you have a reusable filter that can be washed and dried, you can use that.
Change The Air Filters
When cleaning or replacing the filters, you should always do this when the AC is off. If you try to do this with the system running, you could get a face full of dirt and dust. To change the filters, remove the old ones and put the new ones in their place.
Check The Outdoor Condenser Unit
Check the condenser unit on the outside of your house regularly. If you notice it’s covered in mold or mildew, you need to clean it. Take off the cover of the condenser unit and clean the fan blades and coils with a brush. Make sure you unplug the unit before you do this. The best time to do this is at the end of the warm season, when the AC won’t be needed again for a while. Be careful not to get hurt when you are cleaning it. If you can hear excessive noise coming from the condenser please consult professional air conditioning repair agents.
Check The Indoor Coil
Next, check the coils inside your house. The coils are what pull the warm air out of your house and send cool air back in. They are usually located in an air handler near your furnace or outside wall. To clean them, unplug the unit, open the air handler, and use a soft brush to clean the coils. Be careful not to get burned when you are cleaning the coils. Check for support with a professional denver air conditioning repair team to help you with this.
Check The Ducting And Vents
And finally, check the ducting and vents to make sure there isn’t any debris in them. If there is any debris in there, use a brush to clean it out. You can also use a vacuum to clean the ducting. If you have metal ducting, make sure you don’t use a brush on it because it could cause damage. If you have a vent that goes from the house to the outside that isn’t covered, make sure you clean it out too. You can use a brush to clean it or you can take out the vent and clean it with a hose. If you have a cap on the vent, you can use a vacuum to clean it.
Summary
Even though it’s not summer yet, now is the best time to start preparing for it. Which means checking your air conditioning unit and making sure it’s in good working order before the heat kicks in. To do that, you need to know what to look for and what the issues could be. Air conditioners last longer when they’re properly maintained, so it’s essential to stay on top of things before they break down completely. That means checking the filters, coils, and vents for debris and cleaning them out, as well as making sure the unit is properly installed and the wiring is up to code. And if there are any issues, get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid an even bigger problem down the road.