It’s important to make sure everything is clean and working properly to avoid time without your AC. Before you start your AC there are a few things you should know before turning on your air conditioner. It’s important to make sure your AC is working properly and ready to go on a sweltering summer day.
Here are five things to know about A/C maintenance:
Clean the Outdoor AC Unit
Your outdoor unit should have a professional cleaning once a year. Leaves floating through the air, dust and dirt and fluffy white seeds from the cottonwood trees can all get trapped within the filters and condensing coils. Outdoor coils can also become dirty if there is foliage surrounding it. Unless you have your air conditioner cleaned regularly, you will have built up causing your unit to break down in the middle of the summer.
Change Filters
The most important maintenance you can do to your air conditioner is to change your filters regularly. If your filter is dirty, your system has to work harder to move the air resulting in poor performance and excessive wear and tear on the system. A clean filter will lower your energy costs because the system uses less power and it will also improve your indoor air quality. It is recommended that you change the filters every three months. A clean filter will trap dander, pet hair, and dust to help your system run more efficiently prolonging its life.
Filters come in a variety of types and efficiencies. Some are reusable, and others need to be replaced. Filters may need to be replaced more often if the AC unit is in constant use, or subject to dirty conditions or you have pets in your home.
Watch the Thermostat
If you turn your thermostat even one or two degrees higher in the summer or lower in the winter, you can save wear and tear on your air conditioner and make a substantial difference in energy usage.
Check for Unwanted Pests
The Colorado winters can cause mice and other types of rodents to seek refuge within the warmth of your AC unit. Mice often seek shelter inside AC units where they can chew through parts and wreak havoc. It is recommended to call a professional to remove them.
Condensation Drains
Clogged drain channels prevent your AC unit from reducing humidity resulting in excess moisture in your home. Occasionally insert a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels to dislodge and condensation.
Even if you don’t suspect you have a problem, it’s a good idea to have it serviced, inspected and cleaned once a year. Spring is the ideal time to have this done. You want to make sure your AC unit is operating at peak energy efficiency and is ready to cool your home. It’s important to hire a qualified professional to provide maintenance and tune-ups. Aspen Heating and Air recommends you have a tune up done to keep your system operating properly. It’s money well spent.
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