From an uncomfortable and stuffy summer afternoon to being greeted with a refreshingly cool blast of air – for many of us, an air-conditioning system enhances our quality of life. However, these efficient machines require regular maintenance, and if neglected, they can be unreliable and even incur costly problems down the track. If you’re looking for reliable advice on maintaining your air conditioning, you’ve come to the right place! Here is more information about the importance of maintaining your AC unit and tips on keeping it running in peak condition all year round.
1. Change Air-Conditioner Filters:
Regularly changing the air filters is essential to keep your air conditioning system working at peak efficiency. This process should not only be done frequently but also correctly. Changing the air filters ensures airflow is not impeded and maximum efficiency is maintained. The frequency depends on the type of filter you have installed – most should be changed every three months. However, if you live in an area with persistent dust or pollen, your filters may need replacing more often. All this considered, it’s clear that a regular schedule for replacing your air conditioner filter is essential for maintaining a comfortable home environment.
2. Clean Air Vents:
Ensuring that air vents are regularly and thoroughly cleaned is essential to maintaining the air quality of your home or business. Blocked air vents can be a significant source of discomfort, resulting in temperatures that are too hot or cold and the distribution of contaminants like dust and pollen. If you find this happening in your space, it’s time to clean out those vents! Investing a few minutes into regular vent cleaning can improve comfort and health in your home or business! A deep cleaning will allow for better airflow throughout the space, providing more comfort to those who live or work there while removing any contaminants which may have been blocking the airflow. Not only will this improve the temperature dynamics of your space, but it’ll also help create an environment with clean air quality.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels:
Keeping a close eye on the refrigerant level in your air conditioner is an essential step in maintaining its efficiency. Refrigerant levels that are too low can cause the air conditioner unit to work harder than it should, wasting energy and raising monthly energy costs. To ensure optimal cooling power, schedule a yearly visit from a certified professional technician who can accurately check refrigerant levels and top it up if needed. Don’t put off being proactive about this preventative measure — doing so could save you from unexpected expensive repairs down the line!
4. Check Condenser Unit:
A condenser unit is an essential component of a central air conditioning system, and it’s vital to keep this unit in good working condition. Checking the condenser unit at regular intervals can help to spot any debris buildup which may restrict airflow and cause your air conditioning unit to work harder than necessary. Any wear and tear on components, such as fan blades or bearings, should also be inspected for safety reasons and increased efficiency – failing parts may need replacing to secure more extraordinary performance from the AC system. Regular check-ups of your condenser unit will ensure you get the most out of your AC system.
5. Keep the area dirt-free:
Keeping the outdoor part of your air conditioning system clean is an essential step in maintaining overall efficiency. Dirt, leaves, and grass clippings can block the airflow to the cabinet, decreasing your system’s performance. To prevent this, regularly clean the area at least three feet around the outside condenser unit. This will improve your system’s performance and protect it from other potential damage from clogged passages and blocked intakes.
6. Have Annual Inspections Done:
Taking the initiative to have your HVAC system inspected annually is a great way to ensure that any issues get addressed in their infancy before they become more severe and costly. By scheduling servicing for your equipment every year, you can guarantee that any potential problems with your system’s performance will be caught quickly, preventing them from escalating into more enormous repair bills. It also allows technicians to identify if replacement components are needed and advise you on energy-saving methods so you can lower your utility costs over time.
7. Keep Your AC System Dirt Free:
Keeping your AC system dirt free is essential to extend its life and ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. After all, dirt and debris can cause blocking of the evaporator coils or clogging in the condensate drain line, which can temporarily reduce cooling performance or even lead to costly repairs. Regularly cleaning indoor and outdoor coils is integral to a functional and energy-efficient system when maintaining an AC unit. Simple tasks such as removing leaves and debris from around the outside unit, changing filters regularly, and routine professional maintenance will also help keep your air conditioning system at peak efficiency. Taking time to ensure your AC is dirt-free is worth it!
8. Check Your AC Condenser Coil:
During the hot summer months, ensuring your air conditioning condenser coil is functioning correctly is essential. The coil works with your compressor and fan motor, transferring heat from inside your home to the outdoors. Checking the coil regularly will help ensure that your air conditioner is running at its peak efficiency and that you are keeping cool during those humid summer days. A few indicators that your condenser coil may be clogged or dirty are if the temperatures being cooled vary from room to room, if your AC unit has started to make strange noises or smells, or if its cooling abilities have drastically decreased. Taking a little time for regular maintenance on such an essential part of keeping comfortable in the hot weather can make all the difference!
9. Check and tighten any loose electrical connections:
Electrical connections serve an essential purpose, as they deliver power throughout a home or other structure. So it’s necessary to make sure that you regularly check and tighten any loose connections in order to prevent any potential risks and hazards. Start at the breaker box and work your way through the system, ensuring each connection is secure and properly functioning. It’s best to revisit these connections every three months, especially after extreme weather conditions or significant fluctuations in temperature. This will ensure that your electrical systems are running safely, efficiently, and effectively.
10. Restore Systems To Factory-Fresh Specifications:
Restoring air conditioners to factory-fresh specifications is an essential part of peak performance and energy efficiency. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your system and keep it running at maximum capacity throughout its lifespan. The restoration process involves inspection, flushing of components, replacement parts, recalibration of operators, and cleanup. It is essential for a professional repairperson to carry out the process in order to ensure that all parts are functioning correctly. Doing this regularly keeps your system running smoothly so you can enjoy comfortable temperatures during the summer months!
11. Oil, Recalibrate Every Moving AC Part:
Keeping your air conditioner running optimally is critical to staying comfortable in the heat of summer. One crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of this is making sure all the moving parts are adequately lubricated with oil. Doing this will keep them operating smoothly. This lubricating oil should be recalibrated every six months or after 2000 hours of use, whichever comes first. This is especially important for larger AC units or systems that run continuously as part of an industrial setup. Additionally, if you notice grinding noises coming from your AC unit, it could also be a sign that the lubricating oil has become depleted and needs to be recalibrated immediately to avoid further damage to the system. So make sure to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning and keep the moving parts adequately lubricated with oil for optimal performance and efficiency.
Why Choose Du-West Services?
Du-West AC Maintenance tune-ups include the deep cleaning and maintenance most companies skip. Our goal: refresh your system to factory-fresh specs so your system runs more efficiently, saves you money, and lasts longer. That’s what we mean when we say—when you want the best, call Du-West.
