In the summer heat, nothing is more important than your air conditioning system. You don't want to worry whether your AC will keep the house cool all night long when you step into a sweltering house at the end of a long day at work or school. It's challenging to keep your AC in tiptop shape all year round. After all, it's constantly working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable in hot weather. There are simple things you can do now and throughout the rest of the summer to maintain your central air conditioner so that it doesn't break down on hot days.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
You can undertake several things to maintain your AC system, but one of the most important is regularly replacing your air filters. Changes in air pressure (or pressure drop) can cause your AC to overwork and wear out more quickly, costing you more money in the long run. Dirty air filters can also be bad for your health. Changing your air filter monthly can help reduce indoor air pollution and keep your AC running smoothly. Air filters are a cheap way to keep your AC from having to work as hard.
Check Your Vent Ducts
AC vent ducts can sometimes collect bugs or pests. If you have pests in your ducts, they can cause your compressor to break down and your AC to stop working. When you inspect your ducts, you can find and kill pests before they become a problem. You can also clean out the ducts to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have built up over time. This can help your AC run more efficiently.
Check and Maintain Your Condenser Coils
You'll want to check your condenser coils as the summer wears on. Bending or breaking of the coils can cause your AC to overheat and break down. You can check your coils once a month to ensure they are intact. If the coils are bent or broken, you can replace them with new ones. Damaged or broken coils can be fixed with duct tape as a short-term solution. You can clean the coils with a garden hose to remove dirt or debris that may have built up.
Maintain Your Condenser or Compressor
Regular maintenance of your compressor or condenser can help your AC last longer and run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills along the way. When you clean and lube your compressor, you can decrease energy consumption and extend the life of your AC. You can also clean and lubricate your evaporator coil to prevent damage. Cleaning and lubing your compressor can be done at home. You can visit the manufacturer's website for instructions for your specific AC and the best materials.
Rotate Your Air Conditioner Rotors
An air conditioner consume a lot of energy to cool down your house. Fan wheels inside your AC are responsible for moving air around your home. Most of these fan wheels also have fins that can get clogged with dirt and debris over time. When these fins get clogged, they slow down the fan wheels, which makes your AC work harder to cool your house. Cleaning the fins on your fan wheels every six months can help them run more efficiently and reduce your AC's energy usage.
Conclusion
Keeping your AC in good shape isn't easy, but it is essential. These five tips can help keep your AC running smoothly for years. Your AC doesn't stop working just because summer is over, so these tips can be helpful year-round.
