Air conditioning is one of the most important features of a home. It keeps you comfortable and cool during the summer months and helps to reduce your energy bills. When your air conditioning system is not working properly, it can be frustrating and expensive. That is why it is crucial to have a reliable air conditioning system and to have it serviced regularly. However, many homeowners don’t know much about their HVAC systems or how to take good care of them. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to teach you everything there is to know. If you’re not sure what to do or where to start, keep reading to find out how to maintain your air conditioning system.
How can you maintain your air conditioning system?
If you want to take the best possible care of your air conditioning system, then you should know as much as you can about the parts of the air conditioner itself. For example, keeping your air conditioning condenser coils is a key part of maintaining your system. The condenser coils are responsible for releasing the heat collected by the refrigerant in the system. If they become dirty or blocked, the system will not be able to release the heat, and the system will not work properly. Generally, a technician can clear out any debris and remove blockages for you.
There’s a lot that goes into maintaining your air conditioner but one thing you can’t neglect is having the unit inspected annually. This will ensure that any small problems are caught before they get worse so that you can avoid a preventable breakdown. Having the unit inspected and serviced annually can extend the lifespan of the system, so you won’t have to replace it as frequently, which can save you money. If you notice any dirt or debris around the AC unit, clear it away as soon as possible, as this can create a safety hazard.
The filters on your air conditioning system need to be changed regularly too. Dirty filters can cause the system to work harder and can lead to early failure. Your filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, experts recommend changing your filter at least once every 90 days.
What else can you do to maintain your preferred temperature at home?
Clearly, your air conditioner plays a major role in determining your home’s indoor temperature, but there are other steps you can take to maintain your preferred temperature as well. You should think about upgrading to a smart thermostat if you want more control over your indoor climate. They can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences, which can limit your energy usage and save you money. Some models can even make changes so that your energy consumption is as eco-friendly as possible.
The condition of your home can impact the way you feel inside too. Cracks and crevices in your windows and doors can create air leaks, which let in outdoor air, moisture, and pests. This can cause your HVAC system to use more energy in order to keep your home at your set temperature, which can elevate the cost of your utility bills. To avoid this, check for flaws and imperfections regularly and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. If you notice major damage, talk to a contractor about professional repair or replacement.
As you can see, there’s a lot you can do to maintain your HVAC system, particularly your air conditioner. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioning system running at peak efficiency and to help avoid untimely and costly repairs. Maintenance involves ensuring the area around the AC unit is clean, having a technician inspect the HVAC system at least once annually, and changing the filter at least once every three months. You could upgrade to a smart thermostat if you want your system to be even more effective. Follow the tips in this article and you can be sure that you’ll be comfortable at home all year long.