Regular maintenance of an air conditioning unit is essential to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively. Cleaning or replacing the filter or filters in your air conditioning system every one to two months during the cooling season is a must. If the air conditioner is used constantly, is exposed to dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets in the house, filters may need more frequent care. Homeowners don't always need a professional HVAC contractor to maintain their air conditioners, but there are items of maintenance that only a trained technician will be able to perform. Dirty air conditioners or systems that don't work properly can cause microorganisms, such as mold, to grow, which can aggravate allergies and asthma.
When it's time to pack your home air conditioner condenser after summer, cover it with heavy plywood. The cold coil absorbs heat from the air and cools it before the air circulates back to your home. Regular maintenance of your system can help keep monthly cooling costs low and also help you avoid the cost of expensive repairs or premature replacement services. It is still necessary to have the system checked regularly by an expert technician. Use this handy checklist to evaluate your air conditioning system and then schedule an appointment for any air conditioning maintenance or repair you need before summer begins.
If maintenance needs are ignored, the air conditioning unit can lose 5% of its operating efficiency each year due to the accumulation of unwanted debris in the system. For example, a slow refrigerant leak in the air conditioning system can cause costly compressor failures, but a homeowner doesn't have the tools or skills needed to check refrigerant levels. By taking the time to understand your air conditioning maintenance needs, you can achieve long-lasting, cost-effective, and energy efficient comfort in your home. Implementing regular maintenance of your system can also help improve indoor air quality. When the central air conditioning service fails during a heat wave, you may have to wait days for an HVAC repair technician and pay at least several hundred dollars for the repair.
Maintenance requires removing accumulated dust, dirt, and other debris that can negatively affect the unit's ability to filter and purify the air that passes through it. Condensation from air conditioner coils contains bacteria that can form sludge and clog the drain pipe of the condensate tray. Like all appliances, air conditioning units need routine maintenance and cleaning to perform at their best and provide you with the best return on your investment.
Tips for Keeping Your AC Unit in Tip-Top Shape
As an expert in HVAC systems, I recommend following these tips for keeping your air conditioner running smoothly:- Clean or replace filters every one to two months during cooling season.
- Cover condenser with heavy plywood when packing after summer.
- Schedule regular checkups with an expert technician.
- Remove accumulated dust, dirt, and other debris.
- Check refrigerant levels for slow leaks.
- Clean condensate tray drain pipe regularly.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your AC unit has many benefits:- Keeps monthly cooling costs low.
- Avoids costly repairs or premature replacement services.
- Improves indoor air quality.
- Reduces energy consumption.
