How To Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly
Your air conditioner is a vital part of your summertime comfort, but it’s not something you want to have to think about. Here are some tips on how to keep your AC running smoothly all summer long:
Keep it clean
Your air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function efficiently and effectively. Cleaning your air conditioner’s filters is one of the easiest ways to keep it running smoothly; most units have a filter located behind the front grille that can be removed and washed with soap and water. For more difficult-to-reach areas, vacuuming with a soft brush attachment can do the trick.
As for the coils and fins, these should be cleaned with a soft brush or vacuumed regularly as well. If they become too dirty, they will not be able to function properly and your air conditioner will not work as efficiently. In some cases, you may need to use a special fin comb to straighten out the fins; if this is the case, consult your owner’s manual before proceeding.
Keep it cool
During warm weather months, it’s important to keep your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil clean. These coils are responsible for cool airflow, so if they become dirty, your unit will have to work harder to produce the same amount of cool air, which can lead to higher energy bills and decreased efficiency.
There are a few simple things you can do to keep your coils clean and working properly. First, make sure that there is no debris blocking the airflow around the coils. Second, use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to gently remove any dust or dirt that has built up on the coils. Finally, if you see any signs of corrosion or damage, contact a professional for help.
With proper care, your air conditioner’s coils will last for many years. By keeping them clean and free of debris, you can ensure that your unit will continue to provide efficient cooling all summer long.
Keep it covered
The most crucial thing that any homeowner can do to winterize the system is to check for leaves, pine needles, branches, animal nests, and other build-up. These things might cause damage and reduce the unit’s long-term performance.
In areas where A/C isn’t used year-round, one of the reasons you might be advised to cover your unit after summer is to protect it from leaves, snowfall, and ice. Though the units are tested to withstand icy conditions, too much snow, and ice can damage coils over time. Keep in mind that plastic or airflow-restrictive covers will actually promote rusting and internal moisture damage inside the unit, so never use them.
It’s also worth noting that, as with most other metal sheds, this one will rust if you don’t regularly apply some sort of anti-rust solution. Furthermore, since the air conditioning unit is inside a metal shed (which itself may harbor rodents and insects), it’s possible that animals would make their home there, which you definitely don’t want!
Covering up equipment if it isn’t used during the winter months is not necessary unless the cover or cloth can breathe and does not retain moisture, which may be harmful to the finish and components.
Keep it level
An unlevel air conditioner can cause the unit to vibrate and become noisy. It can also lead to premature wear on the compressor. To avoid these issues, make sure that your AC unit is level when installed, and check periodically to ensure that it has not shifted.
If your air conditioner is not level, you can try to level it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. To level the unit yourself, first find out where the problem is coming from. Is one side of the unit higher than the other? Once you have done this, check to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, then you may need to hire a professional to level the unit for you.
Keep it clear
Your air conditioner needs unobstructed airflow to work properly, so be sure to keep debris and vegetation at least two feet away from the unit.If you want to keep your air conditioner in optimal working condition, it’s important to keep the area around it clear of debris and vegetation. Doing this will help ensure that your air conditioner has unobstructed airflow and can work properly.
Keep it serviced
Routine maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long. Be sure to schedule an annual check-up with a qualified HVAC technician, who can clean the unit’s coils and inspect its refrigerant levels. It’s also a good idea to have your AC serviced if you notice any strange noises or decreased airflow.
Another important step in maintaining your air conditioner is regularly changing the filter. A dirty filter can impede airflow and cause the unit to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. Depending on the type of filter you have, it may need to be changed monthly or every few months.
In addition to routine maintenance, there are a few things you can do on your own to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. First, make sure that the area around the unit is free of debris such as leaves and dirt. This will ensure that the unit has plenty of airflows. Second, keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature. Sudden changes can cause the unit to cycle more frequently, which can shorten its lifespan. Finally, be sure to close your curtains or blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home.
Keep it steady
Sudden temperature changes can be hard on your air conditioner, so it’s important to keep the unit in a consistent environment. If you’ll be away from home for an extended period, set the thermostat to “vacation” mode or turn the unit off completely. And when you return, give the unit a few hours to adjust to the new temperature before turning it back on.
Don’t forget to change your air filter! A dirty filter can make your unit work harder, which not only strains the system but also drives up your energy costs. Check and change your filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations—typically every one to three months.
And be sure to keep an eye on the condenser coils (the external component of your system). These need to be cleaned regularly to ensure proper airflow and prevent the unit from overworking. Use a brush or hose attachment to remove any debris, leaves, or dirt that may have accumulated.
With just a little bit of care, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long!
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your air conditioner will provide cool comfort all summer long.
In Summary:
Looking for a Milton HVAC contractor that offers fantastic air conditioning services? Look no further than our team at Free Air Heating and Air Conditioning Ltd. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service, and we’re proud to offer our services to our home community in Milton.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your home or office comfortable all year long.
