Temperatures during summer soar to incredible highs, and while this is great for some outdoor fun, the indoors can be unbearable. Luckily, HVACs keep our homes cool and habitable so that we can have a pleasant summer outside and within the safe confines of our homes. Most air conditioners last for about 10 to 15 years, but with the right maintenance, your air conditioners can last you well over 20 years.
This post will discuss some of the best practices to keep your air conditioner unit up and running for ages.
Tips to Maintaining Your Air conditioner
Properly maintaining your air conditioner is easy. All you have to do is be consistent and use the right materials for cleaning, and you’ll be set for years. Here are a few amazing air conditioner maintenance tips to ensure you stay cool in summer.
1. Clean the Air Conditioner Coils
You’ll want to check the air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils for any dirt or grime and clean them accordingly. These coils tend to collect dirt over the AC’s period of use. This build-up of dust and dirt could reduce airflow and reduce the coils’ ability to absorb heat, greatly decreasing the efficiency of your HVAC unit. A damp cloth and a bit of water are enough for wiping these coils. Ensure you wipe all through so you don’t have to redo the cleaning very often.
Ductless HVAC systems have outdoor units that are exposed to dirt and debris from outside. You can clean these components with a hose or even pick out the debris with your hand if you need to.
2. Change or Clean Air Filters
Air filters are crucial components of your AC, and as such, need special care and attention. Cleaning and maintaining your air filters will greatly increase the efficiency of air conditioners. Consider replacing your air filters at least once every month, but if you can’t, you could always give them a thorough cleaning until you can replace them. Note that the frequency of changing your filter varies depending on how much you use your AC and where you live. If you live in dusty areas then you may want to change your filters very frequently. If you live in the suburbs or city, you are off the hook for a few months.
3. Straighten the Coil Fins
Your condenser and evaporator coils have some aluminum fins that are prone to bending with continued use. Try straightening the coils, or they may prevent proper airflow through the coils. A dinner knife works great for straightening bent fins. But ensure you don’t insert the knife more than half an inch into the condenser, or you risk damaging the unit.
4. Don’t Forget the Windows Too
Your windows are a conduit for a lot of heat, so paying attention to them could lessen the burden you put on your air conditioner. Windows that face the sun let a lot of heat, meaning that you won’t stay cool in summer. It is better to keep these windows closed during the day or have drapes cover them to prevent extra heat from getting inside the house. Remember, intense heat could cause a spike in your energy bills. So, consider covering your window during the hottest hours of the day. It may save you tens of dollars in the end.
5. Consult the Professionals
It’s always a good idea to have professionals take a look at your AC and troubleshoot any HVAC problems for you stay cool in summer. You should have expert inspection of your HVAC at least once a year. You should also call the experts in case of any HVAC repairs that occur during use. These professionals are not as expensive as you think and they’re pretty good at what they do
Stay Cool in Summer
Your summer doesn’t have to be unbearable because of a broken down AC. Take these five tips to heart, and you’ll have cool summers for years to come. Remember, whenever you’re stuck, you can always call a professional to help you out.
