When it comes to beating the summer heat, 75% of Californians rely on air conditioning. We rely on our AC to stay cool and comfortable, but neglecting to care for our equipment can result in the unit breaking down. Since no one wants to deal with a sweltering house in summer, performing regular air conditioning maintenance is vital.
If you’re not sure where to start or how often to maintain your system, start with these tips.
Replace the Air Filters
This is one of the easiest tasks but one of the most important air conditioning maintenance tips we can give you. After all, the air filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair, and other airborne contaminants to keep your indoor air cleaner.
Dust mites inside the home can cause allergies, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Sensitive individuals and those with asthma can experience more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter helps trap dust and other contaminants that cause allergies.
Additionally, clogged air filters make your system work harder as it struggles to cycle air. Not only is this inefficient, but it can cause your system to break down faster.
In general, you should replace your air filter every 90 days. If you have allergies or you want your system to run better, many pros recommend replacing the filter every 45 days. The type of filter you have may affect this timeline as some can be left for longer.
Remove Debris and Clean the Exterior
Your air conditioner needs a clear space to run at peak efficiency. Go outside and clear away any plants, bushes, or weeds in the area around your condenser/compressor that might impede the airflow.
Turn off your AC and remove the fan cage. Clean out any debris with your hands or a wet/dry vacuum.
Use a shop vac to remove the dirt on the outside of your unit. You can also use a garden hose on a gentle setting to remove stuck-on dirt.
If the fins are very dirty, you may need a special fin cleaning spray.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your unit, schedule a tune-up and cleaning service to do it for you.
Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance
Heating and cooling equipment is very sensitive and has a lot of delicate parts. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can cause damage to your system. Certain issues should be left to the professionals.
If you notice issues such as weak airflow, loud noises, or leaks, or you’re having difficulty troubleshooting a problematic AC system, you need to call for air conditioning repair.
The sooner you call an air conditioning service, the less likely you are to have to deal with a bigger issue down the road.
Keep Your Home Comfortable
Taking a few extra steps each month or so to keep your system running efficiently goes a long way. Use these air conditioning maintenance tips to make the process easier.
Do you live in Hanford, CA, and need air conditioning repair or maintenance? If so, give Comfort Now HVAC a call or contact us today so we can help keep your home comfortable!