Air conditioning maintenance can save you on energy and repair costs. But this doesn’t only include the steps a professional takes during annual service. There are many simple ways to make your AC more efficient. Here are some useful air conditioning maintenance tips to help lower operating costs and keep the system running smoothly and efficiently.
1. Change the Air Filter
Every AC has an air filter. Depending on the type of filter and system usage, it should be changed every one to three months (but check it at least once a month). Some filters can be cleaned and reused. You can find the filter behind a return air grille, inside the blower compartment, or in a slot at the bottom, side, or top of the furnace.
If an AC filter gets dirty or clogged, airflow will be restricted, disrupting performance or causing ice to form on the coils. The excessive strain increases the risk of needing costly AC repairs. Plus, the extra dust, dirt, and other particles can reduce indoor air quality and trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
2. Keep Plant Life Away from the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser is placed where it doesn’t take up usable space or make noise inside. Unfortunately, plants like to grow here too. Trees, grass, weeds, bushes, and other plant life can encroach on the unit, obstruct airflow, and prevent it from releasing absorbed heat into the air. Therefore, it may provide less cooling and work harder to move air around.
3. Check the Condensate Drain
Your air conditioner collects and removes moisture to control indoor humidity. Its condensate drain line can get clogged with debris, mold, or algae. The unit will shut down if the condensate pan fills up. Or, water can overflow, leading to costly damage to your AC and home. To avoid trouble, flush the line with a cup of bleach from time to time. If there’s a blockage, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner can often pull it out.
4. Check for Wiring or Electrical Damage
An electrical problem with your AC can cause irreparable damage to the unit or even a fire. A loose connection can cause the unit to malfunction. Turn off the power and remove the condenser’s access panel to check internal components. Issues to look for include burnt wires, melted insulation, and (with a test meter) the function of the capacitors. If anything looks wrong, call a professional; this is one of our air conditioning maintenance tips that can save lives.
5. Clean the Condenser
To clean the outdoor unit, shut off the power at the unit and breaker panel. Open the housing and brush away any dirt you find. A garden hose at gentle pressure can be used to wash away any debris. Aim it at a 45-degree angle, starting from the top and working your way down. Also, wash down the condenser coils and avoid bending the metal fins.
6. Keep Vents Open and Clear
Proper airflow is essential to having cool air in your home. Keep as many vents open as possible, and avoid blocking them with furniture or appliances. Check the vents often for dust and debris and clean them whenever necessary. Maintaining ventilation reduces energy usage and utility costs and enables the system to run smoothly, reducing the risk of needing big repairs.
7. Check, Test, or Upgrade the Thermostat
Turning the thermostat up a few degrees when no one is home can save money. Also, check the thermostat for issues that prevent it from maintaining the right temperature. Call a professional if adjusting the setting or changing a battery doesn’t help. Upgrading to a digital or programmable model can also help you save. Smart thermostats can be programmed or auto-adjust when someone is home or away.
8. Seal Air Leaks
Duct leaks can lose a lot of conditioned air. A professional can check for these during your annual maintenance call and seal them to increase efficiency. But leaks through doors and window frames also reduce efficiency. To seal these, replace the weatherstripping around windows, doors, and entranceways. If a window frame is leaking or there’s a space in a wall, you can use caulking to seal it.
9. Run a Ceiling Fan
Not all our air conditioning maintenance tips involve working directly on your AC. Running a ceiling fan lets you set the temperature a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. It can save energy and reduce the load on the unit, especially on hot days. Standing fans or whole-house fans can have the same effect.
Contact IRBIS for Service and More Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
IRBIS provides professional AC maintenance, repair, and other services to keep homes cool throughout San Jose and the surrounding region. Maintenance can reduce the risk of repairs and breakdowns, save on operating costs, and improve indoor air quality. We inspect and tune up ACs annually and can install high-MERV-rated filters to remove small particulates. Our customers also benefit from 24/7 support and a 12-month 100% Satisfaction Money-Back Guarantee. To schedule AC maintenance and receive more tips, call (669) 266-5464 today.