Air conditioning. It’s something a lot of us can’t live without.
If you don’t do regular AC maintenance, your air conditioning unit is probably going to fail at some point. Like your water heater, your AC unit is an essential part of your home. Failing to keep your AC unit properly maintained could result in costly breakdowns and grumpy summers.
Here are 5 tips to keep your AC unit running smoothly.
1. Check the Wiring
Problems with the wiring can often put your AC unit out of commission. Be proactive and check the wiring a couple of times a year. This will allow you to notice any wiring issues and have them addressed before it breaks your air conditioning unit.
Make sure all of the electrical connections in your AC are tight and that there’s no sign of corrosion. Do you have an electrical test meter? If so, then you should use it to check out the capacitors in your air conditioning.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
This is one of the most important parts of AC maintenance. Failing to look after the air filter will almost certainly result in your AC unit breaking down.
You’ll find the air filter for your air conditioning behind the return air grill. This will be on a wall or ceiling in a central room in your house.
You might also be able to find it in the blower compartment of the furnace or air handler. In some case, it might be in a slot on the side, bottom, or top of the furnace.
During seasons when you use your AC a lot, you should clean the air filter at least once a month. If you don’t do so, you might have to get emergency HVAC services if your AC breaks down. Click for more information.
3. Check Your Thermostat
Do you have an older mechanical style thermostat? If you do, then you should consider upgrading to a modern digital version.
A digital thermostat is preferable because you can program it in such a way that it saves you money on your electric bill. For example, you could program a smart thermostat to start up just before you come home from work. This means you don’t need to waste money by keeping the AC on all day.
4. Clean the Outside Unit
Over time, you can expect dirt, debris, and plant matter to build up on the outside of your AC unit. This is bad for your AC, as it can significantly reduce the level of airflow.
To clean your unit, you can wash it gently with a garden hose. Make sure you turn off the unit completely before you do this. It’s important that you don’t use a power washer for this job since it can cause damage to the AC unit.
5. Check the Condenser Fan Unit
You should periodically check your condenser fan for any signs of damage or decay. You can find the fan in your outside condenser unit.
In order to inspect the fan, you’ll need to turn the air conditioning off. If the fan has any cracks or chips on it, you should consider replacing it with a new fan.
Prevent Problems With AC Maintenance
While not doing AC maintenance is a sure way for your system to break down, messing with things you don’t understand is also likely to result in problems. If you don’t understand what’s wrong with your AC unit, consider bringing in an air conditioning professional.
Thinking of buying a home? Here are 10 important things to consider.