Most houses located in regions with hot climates have air conditioners as a necessity. As per statistics, nearly 90% of households in the US have air conditioning in their homes, and the number has continually risen yearly. Air conditioners (ACs) help keep your indoor air at a cool and optimal temperature to control the humidity levels in your home.
Although air conditioning systems are designed with self-diagnostic capabilities, homeowners still need to perform regular maintenance to ensure their AC units remain functional for an extended period. Regular AC maintenance will ensure your unit functions properly during the hottest months when you need them the most.
That said, this article will provide you with the dos and don’ts to remember when maintaining your air conditioner.
Do: Clean or change your AC filters regularly
All the air that enters your home will go through the AC’s filters. When clogged with dirt and dust, a dirty air filter significantly reduces your AC’s efficiency. Additionally, since the airflow is obstructed by dirt, the air will move past the filter and deposit its dirt into the AC’s evaporator coil, impairing its heat-absorbing ability. Thus, Energy Saver recommends homeowners to clean or change their AC’s air filters as often as every month or two.
Air filters will require more frequent maintenance and attention if the air conditioner is used daily. Furthermore, cleaning dirty filters or replacing clogged filters can reduce your AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
If you’re unsure about cleaning or inspecting the filters, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional AC technician for assistance. You may search online for “ac repair near me,” and it’ll show you the list of reputable AC maintenance services in your local area.
Do: Schedule regular professional check-ups
Experts recommend having your air conditioner serviced and maintained by professionals at least once or twice yearly, depending on your AC model. Even if you regularly clean your AC filters, there could still be other hidden issues lurking inside the unit that only professionals can detect. It’s also unsafe and not recommended to open and check the insides of your air conditioner on your own, as this might cause more problems.
To learn more about the importance of scheduling regular AC tune-ups and check-ups, you can watch this video:
Do: Check ductwork for leaks
There are cases when the air conditioner fails to function, and homeowners would immediately blame any malfunction on the system itself. But as part of maintaining your air conditioner, you must also check the ductwork system for any possible leaks and other problems. Filthy or leaking air ducts can also cause a malfunction in the AC in the long run.
You can search the internet for “ac repair near me Porter, TX,” or other cities, and book an appointment with the professional AC technicians in your local area. They can help regularly inspect and maintain your ductwork system and do the necessary repairs immediately in case of leaks.
Do: Check the thermostat
The thermostat can significantly impact the overall performance of your AC system. If it’s malfunctioning, your AC won’t be able to function at its peak efficiency and will fail to cool the indoor air effectively.
Thus, you or your hired AC technician should check the thermostat regularly as part of the AC’s routine maintenance. They may have to replace the thermostat’s batteries when necessary. Additionally, ensure to set the thermostat temperature based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Don’t: Ignore high electricity bills
Most air conditioning units, especially the newer models, are designed to be energy-efficiency. However, if your electricity bills are growing each month, you must pay attention to your AC maintenance as it could be the cause. A poorly maintained AC unit with many malfunctions and undetected issues can lead the unit to overwork itself and cause higher electricity bills.
Don’t: Attempt DIY methods when maintaining your AC unit
While you may see plenty of DIY methods and guides about maintaining the AC unit yourself, it’s important to avoid attempting DIY methods, especially if you have little or no general knowledge about the AC unit.
AC maintenance requires skills, knowledge, and proper tools to perform the job effectively. Trying to inspect and open your AC unit without the right tools and knowledge can only lead to more serious and expensive problems. So, better to leave the AC repair and maintenance to the specialists.
Don’t: Leave your air conditioner running 24/7
To maintain your AC unit, remember not to rely on your air conditioner 24/7. Running the AC 24/7 will not only consume more electricity, but you’re also not giving the AC unit enough time to rest itself. So, instead of relying on your air conditioner alone, you can find other ways to regulate your home’s temperature, such as temporarily opening the windows or using the ceiling fan.
Don’t: Cover your outdoor unit completely
At first, it may seem like the right thing to do to cover the AC’s outdoor unit for protection. However, doing so will only prevent proper airflow and cause the AC to build up moisture inside. As a result, this would soon lead to mold and mildew growth or rust issues.
So, avoid covering the outdoor unit of your AC completely, especially during the cold season. After all, newer air conditioners are designed with weather-resistant materials to withstand any outdoor elements.
Key takeaway
Now you know the dos and don’ts to remember when maintaining your AC unit. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that your AC functions effectively and keep your home comfortable for many years to come.