How To Take Care Of Your Air Conditioner This Summer

The central air conditioner is one of the modern basic wants for many households today. It helps keep the home comfortable and fresh during hot summer days. Like any other mechanical equipment, the efficiency of air conditioners declines over time making it harder to keep your home cool. Some of these issues and lack of efficiency arise due to inadequate or lack of maintenance, as well as grime, dust, and dirt buildup.  Simple servicing and proper care can help prevent most of these issues/problems, enabling the aircon to function correctly even in the hottest weather.

Making it a habit of having your air conditioner serviced regularly goes a long way in ensuring your home is comfortable throughout. It also reduces the risk of dealing with broken-down air conditioner- which is more expensive to repair. Outlined below are a few tips and tricks on how to take care of your air conditioner for improved efficiency.

1. Schedule For Annual Tune-Ups Each Spring 

Always have your HVAC system tuned-up in preparation for the hot weather. HVAC contractors recommend this as it helps keep the system running optimally through the season. The tune-up procedure involves lubricating fans, tightening all electrical connections, and cleaning the enter system. In addition to this, the technicians will look into potentially serious problems such as a refrigerant leak, low coolant levels, as well as broken fan blades. If caught early, some of these issues will cost only a fraction to have them fixed on time, and a smoothing running appliance after that. A properly tuned HVAC system will also be more energy efficient with minimal risk of major breakdowns.

2. Have the Air Filter Changed

Almost all air conditioners have an air filter that helps filter out allergens, dust, and foreign materials from the air. This ensures air circulating in your home is clean and free of these allergens. These filters are not only designed to ensure only clean air flows in your home but to protect the system from the same. That said, air filters get clogged easily reducing the system’s efficiency significantly. Airflow in the handler becomes restricted making the system to strain in an attempt to maintain optimal temperatures. Having the clogged air filters changed, however, restores the system’s performance and efficiency.  You can either have a technician replace the air filters for you or do it yourself. Be sure to choose the right air filter for the system.

3. Clean the Return Air Ducts 

Return air ducts collect dirt, lint, and dust too, thus blocking proper airflow to and from the system. If these ducts are blocked, the system will use more energy to force air through. This could affect the unit’s efficiency and lifespan as well. Cleaning the ducts however, relieves the pressure restoring performance once again. All you need to do is vacuum these ducts regularly to prevent dirt and grit buildup in the same.

4. Check the Pipe Insulation

Disintegrated or town insulation spells disaster on the HVAC power and performance. Take time to inspect the coolant pipe insulation, and have it replaced if torn or disintegrated beyond repair. Removing the old insulation and replacing it with a new one would be a wise move here. Be sure to check these pipes just before summer, and even during the summer.

5. Check the Duct Work

Dust and construction debris can collect inside the ductwork reducing its efficiency. Pests, and especially rodents will often try nesting in these ducts leaving dropping or even fur inside. When the air conditioner is turned on, the fine particles and hair drift into the house lowering the quality of air getting in your home. The fur and fine dust will also be sucked back into the system through the return air side, thus hampering free air flow. Getting the ducts cleaned professionally is the only way to prevent/tackle this problem.

6. Inspect the Wiring

The AC’s wiring system should be checked regularly to ensure there are no worn out wires or naked ones. Be sure to check the condensing unit too for sights of overheating and war. As a rule of thumb, ensure the unit is unplugged from the mains before checking for bare or blown wires. Call a professional technician if there are signs of worn-out cables.

7. Clean The Compressor Surface

The condenser coils and compressor are some of the most critical parts of the central cooling systems, hence should be kept clean and dust free all the time. Cleaning or removing any dirt from these coils and the surface of the compressor improves its efficiency and ability to absorb heat effectively. You could use a hosepipe to clean the condenser coils and evaporator. Inspect the fins to ensure they aren’t leaking, and try to straighten any fins that appear bent.  Clear out any grass or leaves that might have collected around the unit too. Such debris only limits air circulation around the unit affecting its efficiency.

8. Consider Getting A New Air Conditioner

If you have been using the unit for a decade or more, chances are its efficiency is at the lowest. Although the unit might be functioning correctly, it could be using up more energy than it should. The wise step to take would be to start considering or shopping for a new one. Newer units are more efficient and use less power than older ones.  Experts recommend going for an Energy Star rated air conditioner to realize energy savings.   Be sure to shop around for several air conditioners before settling on one. After all, this is a significant investment that requires proper planning. Window-shopping or seeking the help of a certified supplier should help you identify just the right unit for the job.

Author’s Bio:

Michael’s father was HVAC contractor in Houston. Growing up with some appliances in the environment, he learned to love the work of his dad and has studied how to fix simple appliances when he was still starting. What most people don’t know about him is that he is actually one of the ghost writers in the web, sharing his ideas in appliances and furniture.