When the weather begins to heat up, no appliance is more important than your home’s air conditioner. Unfortunately for many homeowners, the sudden, increased demand on their air conditioning unit leads to issues and even breakdowns.
You should start planning and begin taking proactive steps this spring to keep your home cool as temperatures rise during the summer months. This blog discusses five air conditioner maintenance steps that will help reduce summertime issues. Read on to learn more.
1. Have Your Annual Tune-Up
The first step to maintaining and optimizing your air conditioner is obtaining regular professional maintenance, starting with an annual tune-up. You should plan to have your tune-up during mid- to late-spring.
During your annual tune-up, your HVAC technician will check that your air conditioner has no obvious leaks, broken components, or obstructions that would impede its performance. The technician will also ensure that your unit has the appropriate settings and fluid levels to run correctly.
The tune-up gives you an opportunity to identify and address repairs before you need your air conditioner on a daily basis.
Many HVAC companies offer package contracts so you don’t have to put this item on your spring cleaning checklist each year. You may also want to inquire about contracts for other regular heating and cooling system maintenance throughout the year to keep your system in top condition.
2. Maintain Your Landscaping
The foliage around your air conditioning unit can make a significant difference in performance. Your HVAC technician can let you know if the leaves, bushes, or other debris is affecting your unit.
Keep your yard well maintained, especially during the spring and summer months, to minimize potential blockages. In addition to keeping foliage from growing or drifting too close to your unit, turn the air conditioner off when you mow or do other yard work to keep debris from being sucked into the system.
If you aren’t sure what you need to do to keep your air conditioner unobstructed, then consult with your HVAC technician to identify the specific issues at play. Afterward, you can work with a landscaping professional to create an outdoor maintenance plan that addresses the potential landscaping threats to your HVAC system.
3. Replace Your Filter
In addition to the tests and assessments discussed in section one, your annual tune-up will likely involve an air conditioner filter replacement. All of your treated air passes through this filter to remove large particles and contaminants that would reduce your indoor air quality.
Over time, debris can build up on your filter. When your filter becomes clogged, the obstruction restricts airflow and may result in higher temperatures or energy consumption.
Replace your filter before the summer months to ensure that your air conditioner is at its peak performance when you most need it.
While your tune-up includes a filter replacement, most units need multiple replacements throughout the year. Schedule these replacements at regular intervals to keep your air conditioner as efficient as possible.
4. Schedule Any Needed Repairs
At the end of your annual tune-up, your HVAC technician will provide you with a summary of any repairs necessary to keep your unit running properly. Many air conditioners need repairs at the start of the season due to damage sustained over the winter or neglect during the previous year.
Schedule any needed repairs as soon as possible so that the issues identified do not affect your daily life during summer. In some cases, your HVAC technician may be able to handle minor to moderate repairs during the initial service to save you time and prevent any discomfort caused by an inefficient air conditioner.
5. Upgrade When Recommended
Air conditioning units have highly specific design specifications. For example, units are designed to work in a set square footage range. Additionally, all air conditioning systems have an estimated life expectancy established by the manufacturer.
Whenever your home situation changes, such as when you renovate to create an addition, or the condition of your unit changes, such as when the air conditioner ages out, you should upgrade the system. Prompt system upgrades can save you from having to pay numerous repairs only to have to invest in a replacement anyway.
Your HVAC technician can provide you with personalized recommendations about upgrading. For example, your technician can advise you on the best type of system for your home, and they may recommend more modern systems like an evaporative cooler or central air conditioner.
Use this list, as well as the personalized recommendations of your HVAC technician , to ensure that your air conditioner continues to run smoothly and efficiently — regardless of the outdoor temperatures.
Whatever the season, trust our team of experts at Advanced Heating & Cooling for comprehensive HVAC services. Our company offers a variety of services, including installations, routine services, and repairs. We look forward to working with you.
