When summer temperatures soar high, being stuck at home with a poorly maintained air conditioner is a risk not worth taking. Here are the 6 best summer maintenance tips for your air conditioner, to make sure it beats the heat without compromising your comfort:
Tip # 1 Routinely replace the air filters
Replacing or cleaning your AC filters is arguably the most crucial maintenance task that ensures your unit’s efficiency. With clogged, dirty air filters, allergens are released into the air you breathe, aggravating asthma or allergy symptoms. It reduces the overall quality of the air circulating throughout your home.
Dirty filters also restrict airflow and push your unit to work harder. It lowers the temperature in your unit, resulting in a frozen coil and a water leak. The reduced efficiency will reflect on your utility bills.
You can’t neglect your air filter without wasting energy and money. It’s recommended to replace or clean it every 2-3 months, and once a month if you’re living with pets.
Tip # 2 Clean the unit’s evaporator coil and condenser coil
Dirt on the evaporator coil reduces airflow and reduces the ability of the coil to absorb heat. Cleaning it helps avoid this problem.
Issues with the condenser also have a negative impact on the cooling performance of your AC, so it will take long hours to cool your home if your condenser is failing.
But you should be able to clean a dirty condenser coil, albeit not as thoroughly as a qualified technician can.
Tip # 3 Use a fin comb to clean the fins
The aluminum fins on your unit’s condenser and evaporator coils bend easily, blocking airflow through the coil. Fin combs are used to comb the separated fins back into position.
Just don’t forget to wear gloves to keep your hands from getting cut!
Tip # 4 Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows your AC to run only when it’s needed. It gives your AC a break when you’re away, so using it makes it possible to stay cool while keeping energy costs low.
Aside from saving energy and money, using a programmable thermostat can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, since it doesn’t get subjected to unnecessary stress.
Tip # 5 Insulate windows for summer
There are several ways to insulate your windows for summer: using blackout curtains, weatherstripping your windows, investing in energy-efficient windows, installing insulating shutters, and more.
Any of these can dramatically improve the efficiency of your AC. You will also see a drop in your energy bill.
Tip # 6 Check the concrete slab under your outdoor AC
Make sure that the concrete slab under your AC is level, as it keeps the unit from sinking and the oil from spreading. When oil pools in the lines and coils, it will lead to an oil shortage inside the unit’s compressor. Your unit may overheat and get damaged.
Get the most out of your AC
Proper care and maintenance can keep you two steps ahead of AC problems that are more serious and expensive.
At Good Guys Home Services, you get tune-up and maintenance services that help prolong your unit’s lifespan, save on energy bills, and improve your comfort at home.
Want to start getting the most out of your air conditioner today? Book an AC checkup using our exclusive Good Guys Home Services Mobile app or fill out our online form for faster service.
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