If you own an air conditioning unit, it is important that you keep it in good shape. Failing to do so means that you will not get the most from your investment, the unit may need to be repaired and/or replaced sooner than expected, and there is a chance that it can cause you or your loved ones to experience health issues. Here are 7 residential air conditioning maintenance tips that will help you avoid any issues and prevent a call to an air conditioning repair Lynchburg, or a service more local to you.
- Clean Or Replace The Filters
Many people do not do this, even though it can cause a world of difference. The filters on the unit prevent all of the allergens, dust and other impurities from being a part of the air that is being cooled. If they are not cleaned or replaced regularly, the air produced will not be as clean as possible and you will be breathing all of these things in every time you turn your air conditioner on. Ideally, you should change them once monthly, but there are certain factors, like having pets, that may require this to occur more often.
- Straighten Out The Fins
If you notice that any of the fins are bent, you should take a small tool and gently straighten them out. If you ignore them and leave them in that state, it will have a negative impact on airflow. Be careful when doing this so you don’t cause any damage to your equipment.
There is a device called a fin comb available at most hardware stores and it was made for this purpose. If you are going to use one of these, wear gloves to protect your hands from being cut.
- Know When To Keep It Covered
There are some people who try covering their units in an attempt to protect them from the elements, but this can actually do more harm than good. Small critters like the idea of having a place to nest and this will give them the perfect location.
On the flip side, you want to cover it during colder months when you are not using it. This will prevent debris from finding its way into your unit.
- Check Your Insulation Regularly
This is one of the most important residential air conditioning maintenance tips out there. Check the insulation on a frequent basis to make sure that it is not rotting or damaged. Doing this will ensure that your AC is running as efficiently as possible.
- Clean Your Unit
You cannot expect your AC to run as well as it should if there are loads of grime and debris that has built up all over the unit. Take some foaming cleanser and a brush with plastic bristles and clean it. This should be done regularly so all of the grime is not allowed to build up and wreak havoc on your unit.
You should also buy a commercially available cleaner for the condenser. You can find it at most stores that sell home improvement products. Make sure that you clean the dust off prior to using the condenser cleaning spray. This will make the process more efficient.
- Have Your Unit Serviced
If you are one of those people who does not have the time or energy to care for an air conditioning unit on your own, it would be in your best interest to call someone to service it for you. This may not seem like one of the best residential air conditioning maintenance tips out there, but it is.
You should probably have your unit looked at once a year to make sure that it is in good shape. If you live in an area that has a milder climate and your air conditioning unit is in use more often than not, you should have it serviced at least two times each year. You should find an AC repair company to make sure that if it needs a repair then it is found quickly; otherwise a replacement further down the line would consequently cost you more money.
Many people think of an air conditioner as an essential purchase, yet they do not properly maintain the unit once they have purchased it. If you want to protect your investment and ensure that it runs properly and does not have to be replaced quickly, you should make it a point to get an Air Conditioning Repair service done every now and then. Also, try to follow all of the advice that was offered to you here.
