Summer is usually a season people look forward to, as this is the time for vacations, relaxing by the pool, and heading indoors to escape the heat. However, if you’re not keeping up with your air conditioner’s maintenance, going indoors to escape the heat may not provide any relief.
If your AC goes out, the temperature inside may rival the one outdoors. Did you know that performing routine maintenance, at least once a year, can help keep your AC running throughout the summer? So, if you’re searching for AC maintenance near me, here are some tips from the pros.
Replace Your Old Filters
Replacing or cleaning your AC filters is a vital part of maintenance, and it’s also a pretty easy task. The AC filter traps dust and allergens, preventing them from circulating inside your home. A dirty air filter can also interfere with the unit’s efficiency. Your AC needs to work harder to move air through a clogged filter.
How often should you replace your AC filters? During the summer, industry experts recommend replacing your AC filters once every month or so. If you’re worried about costs, filters are relatively inexpensive. However, if you decide to go with a HEPA air filter, you should expect to pay a little more.
If this is your first time changing out an AC filter, don’t worry, you should be able to handle this maintenance chore without professional help.
- Turn off the AC
- Open the panel and remove the old filter
- Throw away the filter, unless it’s a permanent one. In this case, grab your garden hose, spray the accumulated debris off the filter, and let it dry.
The final step is inserting a new filter or a clean and dry permanent one. If you’re using disposable filters and need to know the size, check the cardboard frame. The filter’s size is usually printed on the frame.
Clean the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain is connected to the drainage pan or tray, which is responsible for catching condensation from the unit’s refrigeration cycle. This cycle refers to the time between your AC kicking on and turning off.
When the condensate drain is clogged, it can affect your AC’s performance. Your air conditioner probably isn’t going to run as efficiently, and this generally results in higher electricity bills. The clogged drain can also lead to more expensive problems that aren’t as easy to repair.
Grab your vacuum cleaner or shop vac and get ready to clean out the drain. The vacuum’s suction power should be more than enough to remove any clogs caused by debris and even bits of the AC’s insulation.
Yes, pieces of insulation can fall off of the unit and clog the condensate drain. If you can’t remove all of the blockages or notice water pooling around the unit, it’s probably time to call for a professional repair.
Inspect the Insulation
Both indoor and outdoor air conditioners have insulation around the piping. The pipes are usually copper and are responsible for moving the refrigerant between the condenser and evaporator.
If you’re wondering where these components are located, the evaporator is usually inside and the condenser is outdoors. The insulation is typically either white or black foam and helps your AC maintain its thermal efficiency.
Thermal efficiency refers to your AC’s energy usage and is measured by an EER (energy efficiency ratio) rating. A high EER rating indicates an air conditioner is running efficiently.
As you’re inspecting the AC’s insulation look for signs of wear and tear. Insects, rodents, and other pests can chew on the insulation. The weather can also degrade the material—remember, your insulation is made primarily from foam and it’s not intended to last for the life of your AC. There’s a good chance that at some point, you’re going to need to replace the insulation around your AC’s piping.
If you notice any damage, call the professionals to schedule a repair. Don’t worry, replacing damaged insulation is a relatively inexpensive AC service call.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
You can take care of a lot of your AC’s routine maintenance without calling in an HVAC specialist. However, you should plan on having your air conditioner professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year, preferably in the spring.
The AC technician will perform a complete inspection, identify any potential problems, and make the necessary repairs before outdoor temperatures start rising. If you want to keep your home comfortably cool this summer, keeping up with your AC maintenance is the best solution.
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