During the hot days of summer; a reliable air conditioning (AC) system is man’s best friend. Regular maintenance is a must if the public transit system is to provide a fast and a dependable service during summer. Maintenance is essential as it lengthens the life cycle of your air conditioner; ensures that you do not have to spend a lot of money repairing your AC; and also will ensure that your electricity bills are within the appropriate range. Below there is information concerning basic tips that will help you when it comes to maintenance of your AC cooling system.
1. Filters should be replaced or cleaned as often as they are specified in their use frequency.
A very basic but very impactful method of taking care of your AC system is by ensuring that you change or clean the filters frequently. Faulty filters provide less freedom for the air to blow through, thus making your AC work even harder in order to supply cool air thus using more energy. Depending on the type of filter and its usage it is suggested to check it monthly, and replace or clean it every 1-3 months.
Tip: HEPA filters are recommended to individuals who have allergic reactions or live with a pet. Best for trapping smaller details and enhancing the air quality in spaces indoors.
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor condenser is an important component of the AC system; it’s equally important you take good care of it. It may therefore collect dust, leaves, debris and all sorts of materials that make the unit less efficient. To keep it functioning optimally:To keep it functioning optimally:
Clear debris: Clear around the condenser unit the leaves, grass or dirt anytime you see them. It should also be placed in an area that has sufficient space around the unit, especially from the floor; there should be a least gap of two feet around the unit to allow free circulation of air.
Clean the coils: The condenser also has coils, and it becomes fouled up to interrupt the manner in which heat is exchanged. Instead of using high pressure water ricks to clean them use a garden hose to wash them; this will avoid destruction of coils.
3. Inspect and Seal Ductwork
As much as 30 – 40 percent of the home cooling system’s energy can be lost if there are leaky ducts. Check your duct for cracks or holes where air may be leaking out, or places where the duct has been damaged. Use of the duct tapes, foil tapes, or mastic sealants can increase your home’s comfort by properly sealing any leaks that might be charging your system.
Tip: It is advisable to hire a professional in duct cleaning and sealing to help improve on the performance of your system particularly if your house comes with old or irregular ducts.
4. Check the Thermostat Settings
The thermostat therefore has a central function of controlling the temperatures and performance of your AC system. Check that it is switched on to the correct temperature and accurately working properly. It is time to invest in a better thermostat by getting either a programmable or smart thermostat to make adjustments almost automatically when it comes to cooling your home.
Tip: Do not decrease the temperature too much on your AC system. ‘Sometimes, it suffices to use 78°F or a moderately warm environment for people to feel comfortable and for energy to be conserved.’
5. Ensure Proper Insulation
When you have insulated the roof, more so with the use of proper insulation material, it ensures that the cold air in the rooms does not escape while at the same time the hot air outside does not penetrate into the room. Ensure you inspect your house for proper insulation, particularly on the roof, wall, and around the windows and doors. Proper insulation lowers the amount of work your air conditioning system has to do and preserves a constant temperature inside.
Tip: Making adjustments to your home like sealing gaps under doors and around windows and ensuring that you use thick curtains will also help in increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
There is also maintenance, which homeowners perform themselves and then there is maintenance which has to be done by professionals on a regular basis for the AC system. Only a licensed HVAC technician can come and conduct a thorough check of your home or workplace’s forced air heating and cooling system, carry out cleaning within the system, check the levels of the refrigerant and ensure that your system is operating optimally.
Tip: It is advised to arrange a professional checkup before the beginning of the cooling season in order not to fail just at the height of summer.
7. Monitor Your System’s Performance
Monitor your AC system performance during use of the system for the season. Sounds or changes in temperature not your house, or perceiving high bills for fuel then it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Thus, if these sorts of concerns are not dealt with initially, they are likely to worsen and lead to more severe issues.
Tip: However, if you experience any symptoms, including poor cooling ability or odd sounds, then you need the services of an expert to check it.
8. Maintain the Drainage System
Your AC system has a drainage system that you need to empty from time to time as it collects condensation. Thus, the drain line may be blocked and this causes water leakage which results in property damages or reduced evaporation thus less cooling. The drain pan should be inspected often and the drain line should be cleared so that clogs do not occur.
Tip: Dilute water and bleach once in a while and pour this solution in the drain line to avoid formation of algae.
Conclusion
Proper AC maintenance is key to ensuring your cooling system operates efficiently and reliably throughout the summer. By following these essential tips—replacing filters, keeping the outdoor unit clean, inspecting ductwork, and scheduling professional maintenance—you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home while extending the lifespan of your AC unit.
If you need assistance with AC maintenance or repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Fast Air Conditioning Repair. Our team of experts is here to help you with all your cooling needs, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside.