Summer is in full swing and that means the temperatures are on the rise. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably cranking up your AC to stay cool. But have you given much thought to your AC maintenance? It’s vital for keeping up with your home AC repair in Port Saint Lucie to continue to stay comfortable all summer long – and it can also save you money on energy costs. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of regular AC maintenance for homeowners. We will also provide some helpful tips for keeping your AC unit in good shape!
The Importance of AC Maintenance
One of the main benefits of regular AC maintenance is that it ensures your unit runs efficiently and properly. During maintenance, a professional technician will inspect and clean various parts of the unit, including the condenser coils, air filters, and evaporator coils. This process removes any dirt, debris, or other contaminants that can affect the performance of your unit. By doing this, your unit won’t have to work as hard to cool your home, which can save you money on your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of the unit.
Improving Efficiency and Energy Savings
Regular AC maintenance also prepares your HVAC system for the hot summer months. During this time, your AC unit will be working harder to keep your home cool, and any issues or inefficiencies will be exacerbated. By having a tune-up and cleaning before summer, you can prevent breakdowns or other issues from occurring during the peak season when you need your AC unit the most.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality
In addition to preventing costly repairs and maximizing energy savings, regular maintenance can also help improve the air quality in your home. This is because your AC unit can accumulate dust, mold, and other allergens over time. If these contaminants are not removed, they can be circulated throughout your home, causing respiratory problems and other health issues. Regular maintenance helps ensure that these contaminants are removed, resulting in cleaner air and a healthier home environment.
At Home AC Maintenance Tips
Now that you understand why AC maintenance is so essential to keeping your home comfortable and saving money on energy costs, here are a few tips for homeowners to keep their AC units running smoothly.
1. Change the Air Filter:
A clogged or dirty air filter can affect the performance of your air conditioning unit in several ways. First, it can cause a decrease in airflow, which means that your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on the system. Second, a dirty air filter can cause your unit to overheat, which can result in damage to the compressor or other components.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended that you replace the air filter in your AC unit every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. This is a simple task that can be done by most homeowners and requires no special tools or equipment. To replace the air filter, simply locate the filter in your unit and remove it from its housing. Then, insert a new filter into the housing and replace the cover.
2. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
To clean around the outdoor unit, you can use a garden hose or leaf blower to clear away any debris that has accumulated. It is important to ensure that the power to the unit is turned off before beginning the cleaning process to avoid the risk of electric shock. Once the power is turned off, follow these steps:
- Remove any large debris, such as sticks or leaves, that are located near the unit by hand. This will prevent the debris from getting caught in the fan blades and causing damage to the system.
- Use a garden hose to spray down the unit and remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the exterior. Be sure to avoid spraying the electrical components of the unit to avoid any potential damage.
- For tougher debris that may be stuck to the unit, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the dirt.
- Use a leaf blower to remove any remaining debris that may be stuck in the fins of the unit. Be careful not to damage the fins by using too much force or getting too close to the unit.
By cleaning around the outdoor unit, you can ensure that the system can function properly and efficiently. This will also help to prevent any potential damage to the system that could occur from debris getting caught in the fan blades or other components.
3. Clean the Outdoor Coil
Cleaning the outdoor coil every few years can help to increase airflow and reduce energy costs. The process of cleaning the coil involves removing any debris, dirt, or grime that may have accumulated on the surface of the coil. This can be done using a specialized coil cleaner, which is available at most home improvement stores. The cleaner is sprayed onto the coil, where it loosens any dirt or debris, which is then rinsed away with water.
To clean the outdoor coil, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the unit to avoid any risk of electric shock.
- Remove any debris or dirt from the coil using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner.
- Spray the coil cleaner onto the surface of the coil, ensuring that all areas are covered.
- Allow the cleaner to sit on the coil for the recommended amount of time (as per the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Rinse the coil thoroughly with water, being sure to remove all traces of the cleaner.
- Allow the coil to dry completely before turning the power back on and restarting the system.
4. Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can occur due to a leak in the system, which can happen over time as the unit ages or due to damage from weather or other external factors. When refrigerant levels are low, the system has to work harder to cool the air, which can cause your energy bills to increase and the system to wear out faster. Low refrigerant levels can also cause your system to run longer and less efficiently, leading to decreased comfort levels in your home.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips and scheduling regular maintenance and AC repair, you can ensure that your Port Saint Lucie home stays comfortable and energy efficient all summer long! Regular maintenance will also extend the lifespan of your AC unit, which means less money is spent on costly repairs and replacements. Make sure to book an HVAC technician to check out your system today – or at least give us a call if you need help! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
