Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Tags: AC
Here in Kansas, we count on our air conditioners to get us through the scorching summers. And when those inevitable stretches of 100+ degree days arrive, the last thing you want is for your central air system to give out. Sharp Homes has put together a few simple air conditioner maintenance tips for homeowners to help you ensure your AC will be ready for the hot weather ahead.
Change the Air Filter
One of the most important tasks for AC maintenance for homeowners is to change the air filter in your HVAC system regularly. This is one of the easiest things you can do to help your air conditioner last longer and run more efficiently. Changing your air filter is especially important after you’ve moved into a newly-built home, both to clear out any lingering construction dust and to help your new AC unit last longer.
Change your home air conditioning filter at least every 3 months and more often if you have pets, have recently remodeled, or if there’s a lot of pollen in the air. A reusable mesh air filter can be vacuumed or rinsed off, while a disposable furnace filter can simply be thrown away and replaced with a new one.
It’s also important to keep the supply and return air ducts free of cobwebs and other obstructions, especially if you have floor registers that may get toys, dirt, or other objects slid down the vents.
Clear Debris Away from the Outside AC Unit
Here in Wichita, it’s not unusual to see fluffy white cotton floating through the air in the spring, thanks to all the Cottonwood trees in the area. This fluff is not harmful but it can clog your air conditioner’s condenser unit. If you notice cotton coating the outside of your outdoor ac unit, simply brush it off. This will allow air to circulate through the system as intended.
Schedule an Air Conditioner Tune-Up
A second important step you can take to keep your air conditioning unit in top shape is with regular AC maintenance. A well-maintained air conditioner will have a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency, which helps you save money on your cooling costs.
Schedule an annual AC tune-up each spring before the summer heat sets in. An HVAC technician will inspect your indoor and outdoor HVAC units, make sure they’re clean, test your cooling system to make sure it’s working properly, and check the refrigerant level. Your AC inspection should also include checking the fan, evaporator coil, outdoor unit, and making sure the condensate drain is functioning properly.
If any issues are found with your air conditioner, you can schedule an HVAC repair right away so your AC is up and running before hot weather arrives. A little preventive maintenance on your air conditioning system before summer can save you stress and money in the long run.
