Keeping your air conditioner well-maintained and in good working order is crucial as the warmer months arrive. When temperatures start rising, a broken or inefficient AC system is the last thing you want.
However, some simple regular maintenance can avoid many unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. With a little preventative care, your unit can run smoothly and reliably and provide cool air comfort for many years.
In this guide, we will discuss the basic maintenance tasks you can easily do yourself to help your air conditioner system perform at its best. From changing a clogged air filter to inspecting outdoor units, learning these routine checks will give you peace of mind and save money by preventing larger issues. So, let’s start with the minor maintenance you can do to keep your air conditioner running strong all summer!
How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently all summer long. There are a few basic tasks you can do yourself to keep everything in good working order.
Clean the Air Conditioner’s Filters
Most air conditioners have air filters that should be inspected monthly during peak cooling season and cleaned or replaced as needed. A dirty filter causes the unit to work harder than necessary. Remove and clean filters with warm water and mild soap, allowing them to fully dry before putting them back in place. This simple step improves airflow and efficiency. You can also check the evaporator coils inside the indoor unit – these can freeze and cause water to overflow if they are dirty.
Inspect and Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser unit outside needs to be inspected at least monthly. Use a hose to spray away debris that collects on the coils. Coils coated with dirt and lint cannot properly transfer heat outside. Fins bent out of shape should be gently combed back into position.
Check Drain Lines and Drain Pans
Make sure to check that your AC has proper drainage. Pour a cup of water into the drain pan to confirm it drains smoothly and lines are not clogged. Stagnant water can cause mould or corrode the unit from the inside.
Lubricate Moving Parts
During annual maintenance, apply lubricant to parts that rub together, such as fan blades and motors. Using compatible lubricant keeps parts moving freely with less wear and tear.
Schedule an Annual Tune-Up
Schedule AC tune-ups from a licensed professional before peak cooling season for optimal performance. They’ll conduct a full inspection, clean-up, and servicing to catch small issues before they require costly repairs. Check the electric control sequence to make sure that the cooling system and the heating system are not operating at the same time.
Trim Back Surrounding Plants and Trees
Covering the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner will protect the unit from winter weather and debris. Give the AC unit breathing space by trimming back any growth within 3 feet that could obstruct airflow and cause overheating deficiencies. Proper ventilation keeps your system running safely and efficiently.
Signs It’s Time For an AC Repair
If your maintenance checks start revealing more serious problems, it may be time to call an HVAC professional for repairs. Some signs it’s best to have a technician evaluate your air conditioner include strange noises coming from inside or outside units, excess water under the unit, fluctuating or unregulated temperatures in your home, very high utility bills unexpectedly, or if the unit seems to turn off and on more frequently than in previous seasons.
An HVAC contractor can perform diagnostics to determine if a component needs replacement or if further issues exist. It’s better to address problems sooner than later before they worsen and lead to an even bigger repair bill down the road. With rising temperatures, evaluate if your aging AC system needs repairs to function safely and efficiently before a breakdown.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
Performing basic annual maintenance on your air conditioning system has many advantages. Regular cleaning and inspections can catch small issues before they escalate into expensive repairs.
This extends the life of your unit by preventing premature component failures down the road. Well-maintained ACs are also much more energy efficient since filters are clear and the evaporator coil can transfer heat properly.
You’ll end up saving on utility bills in the long run. Most importantly, regular care means your system is less likely to stop working unexpectedly on the hottest days of summer.
By taking simple preventative steps, you gain peace of mind knowing your air conditioning unit will be in great shape to reliably keep you cool through the warm weather months. Overall, minor maintenance truly pays off through lowered costs, increased performance and dependability. Making care a routine habit is well worth it for preserving the functionality of your home’s essential cooling system.
Contact a Professional When Needed
With careful maintenance, your air conditioner can provide your home with comfort for many summers. Taking the time to perform simple tasks like monthly filter cleaning and annual checks with a pro will help catch issues early and prevent costly repairs.
At Enersol Electrical, we understand how important reliable cooling is during hot weather. That’s why we offer comprehensive HVAC services to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Whether you need repairs, installations or regular maintenance plans, our team of experienced technicians can help. Contact us today to schedule your annual AC tune-up, discuss any problems you may be experiencing, or get answers to any other questions.
You can feel confident that your cooling needs are in good hands with Enersol Electrical. With our help, you’ll enjoy cool temperatures worry-free all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my air conditioner’s air filter?
Change or clean the filter monthly during peak cooling season for central air units. Integrated filters on window units should be washed every 2-4 weeks. Dirty filters decrease efficiency.
What’s the best way to clean my outdoor AC unit?
Use a hose in a gentle setting to spray away debris from the coils monthly. Be careful not to bend the fins. In terms of refrigerant leaks, use caulk and spray foam to stop air leaks around your home. Wiping coils down with a cloth can also help remove built-up dirt.
When should I call an HVAC professional for repairs?
A: Signs it’s time for a service call include strange noises, fluctuating temperatures, excess water, or very high bills. A pro can properly diagnose any problems and perform repairs before minor issues become major damage.
How long should my AC unit last?
With good maintenance, central air systems typically last 10-15 years before needing replacement. Window units have shorter lifespans of 8-10 years. Proper care helps extend the functional lifetime.