Regular air conditioning service doesn’t just mean better performance, it also means increased energy efficiency. In this blog, we’ll review how to maintain your AC so you can be comfortable all summer long.
Importance of Regular AC Maintenance
Keeping your AC running smoothly begins with regular maintenance. Having a professional technician inspect your AC will ensure it is working the way that it should and prevent breakdowns.
Let’s look at a few things you can do between maintenance appointments to keep your AC working at maximum performance.
Change or Clean Air Filters
One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to improve AC efficiency is regularly cleaning and replacing air filters.
Your service technician can recommend the best air filter for your system based on its specifications. Inspect your filters regularly, especially if it’s being used frequently such as during heatwaves.
Clean AC Coils
Your AC condenser coils and evaporator can have a buildup of dust and debris over time. This reduces airflow and builds up around the coil, reducing its effectiveness. Remember to inspect your outdoor condenser coils too.
Weather and outdoor debris like fallen leaves can block the coils and hinder the performance of your AC.
Remove Debris From Unit
Your AC unit has to withstand the weather and the environment. This can mean leaves, yard debris, and dirt building up.
Make sure to keep foliage in check and clean your AC unit regularly. This will allow for effective airflow and ensure that your home or business is cool when you need it most.
Straighten Coil Fins
Your evaporator and condenser coils have aluminum fins that can be bent, preventing effective airflow.
Your One Stop HVAC technician can check these during regular visits and ensure that they are straight.
Clean Area Around Unit
Once you have done your regular AC cleaning, don’t forget to clean around the unit too. Remove any vegetation around the unit. Cutting it back to approximately two feet away is the ideal amount of space to maintain proper airflow.
Cover your unit in the wintertime to prevent debris from getting into the unit. Remember to keep the sides open to prevent moisture build-up which can cause rust.
Level Your Unit
Like any home appliance, your AC can shift or move slightly over time. As the soil settles around your home, you may notice your unit readings are a little off preventing the compressor from functioning efficiently.
Use shims to rebalance your AC, and you should see an improvement.
Clean Evaporator Coil
Inside your home, you should be able to locate the evaporator coil. This is located on the inside of your furnace unit. Use a brush to gently dust the coil and use a no-rinse cleaner to ensure there is no debris left behind.
Clean out the drain pan once you are done with hot water and bleach.
Clean Evaporator Drain
Grab your wet/dry vac. The next item on our list of tips on how to maintain your AC is cleaning the evaporator drain. Homes in warm, humid climates are particularly susceptible to the algae and mould buildup in their AC units.
This can cause the drain to plug which can lead to flooding. Locate the drain and use your wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris. Simply hold it at the end of the drain and let the vacuum run for a few minutes. This will eliminate any debris and mould.
Change Blower Filter
Your HVAC filters should be cleaned at least twice per year. You can usually find it at the base or side of your unit. Inspect it by pulling it out of the door and looking closely at the filter. You will likely see dirt, debris, and discoloration. Replace with a new filter that is the same size and design.
Contact Us
The friendly and professional HVAC technicians at One Stop HVAC can help you keep your AC running at maximum efficiency. We can also help you maintain your AC throughout the year by showing you how to clean the AC coils, which filters are right for your unit and how to protect an outdoor air conditioner from the elements. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
