Using an air conditioner in the home or office is more than just a cool luxury; it’s necessary for maintaining healthy temperatures year-round. It reduces humidity levels, helps prevent allergies and asthma symptoms, purifies the air, and improves overall health. However, your AC requires routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The following are some best practices for caring for your air conditioning unit.
1. Regularly Check and Change the Air Filters
Dirty air filters can clog up your system, leading to overheating and energy inefficiencies. Therefore, it’s crucial to check and replace your air filters at least once every three months, if not sooner. Doing so can help improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and prolong the lifespan of your AC unit.
To know it’s time to change the air filter, look for signs of dirt or dust buildup or increased airflow resistance. If the filters are too clogged, they won’t be able to clean the air as efficiently, resulting in poor indoor air quality. A professional HVAC technician can instruct you on how often a filter change is needed.
2. Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is vital in the cooling process, and if the levels are low, the unit will have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. This leads to higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear on the system. Regularly checking the refrigerant levels can prevent these problems from arising and save you money in the long run. If you notice a decrease in cooling performance, strange noises, or ice buildup on the coils, it may be a sign that the refrigerant levels need to be checked.
3. Make Sure the Unit Is Properly Insulated
Insulation is important in keeping your air conditioner running efficiently, as it helps prevent heat exchange between the outside and inside of your home or office. Ensure all gaps and holes around the unit are sealed properly to help keep cool air on the inside and warm air out.
You may also consider investing in a higher-quality insulation material to protect against temperature fluctuations. Installing thermal-resistant roofing tiles can also go a long way in preventing energy loss due to heat gain from the sun and other elements. Additionally, try to keep furniture, plants, and other objects away from the unit so that it has enough space to draw in cool air properly.
4. Keep the Area Around Your Unit Clear
To ensure that your AC unit runs efficiently, keeping the area around it clear is important. This means removing debris, dirt, or vegetation that could clog the vents or restrict airflow. Over time, the buildup of dirt and dust can cause the unit to operate less efficiently, leading to increased energy bills and decreased cooling performance. By keeping the area around your unit free of any blockages and ensuring there’s ample space for air to flow in and out, you can help your AC unit function at its best.
5. Ensure Proper Installation
When it comes to maintaining your air conditioning unit, proper AC installation is crucial. It’s important to have a professional install your unit to ensure it’s done correctly. An improperly installed unit can lead to poor performance, higher energy bills, and potential safety hazards.
Ensure that the unit is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and that all electrical and refrigerant connections are properly secured. A qualified technician will also be able to perform a load calculation to ensure that the unit is sized correctly for your home, which will help it run efficiently in the long run.
6. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. With features like remote access, scheduling capabilities, and motion-sensing technology, you can customize your home’s temperature with just a few taps on your phone or a voice command.
A smart thermostat also helps reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting the temperature when no one is at home or when you’re sleeping. Additionally, smart thermostats can provide valuable data and insights into your energy usage, allowing you to make informed decisions about reducing costs.
7. Keep Your Vents Clean
Clogged or dirty vents can inhibit airflow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. To ensure that your unit is running as smoothly as possible, it’s important to regularly check and clean the vents.
You should also watch for any signs of mold or mildew, which can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms if not treated properly. This will help improve indoor air quality and keep your AC efficient. Make sure that your vents are also free of obstructions.
8. Lubricate Major Components
One of the best ways to maintain your system’s efficiency is by lubricating the major components, such as bearings and fans. This helps reduce friction between moving parts and ensures they can operate efficiently.
It’s important to note that you should only use approved lubricants for your unit, as some may contain chemicals that can damage the system. It’s also best to have a professional do this job; they will have the right tools and expertise to ensure it’s done correctly.
9. Avoid DIY Repairs
Trying to repair your air conditioning unit yourself can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Electrical and refrigerant lines are delicate, so it’s important that all repairs and maintenance tasks are done by a qualified technician.
Additionally, attempting DIY repairs can void the warranty on your unit, meaning that you won’t be able to get compensated for any damages or issues down the line. It’s always best to call an experienced professional who can diagnose the problem and provide the right solution quickly and safely.
10. Have Your Unit Serviced Regularly
One of the best ways to maintain your air conditioner is to have it serviced regularly. During a typical service call, a technician will check for potential issues and perform routine maintenance tasks.
Having your unit serviced regularly prevents it from breaking down unexpectedly and helps you save money on energy bills in the long run. It’s recommended that you have your AC unit serviced at least once every year to help keep it running efficiently for years to come. For residents of Wichita and the surrounding area, you can receive a comprehensive air conditioning service from Fahnestock HVAC.
Contact Us
Keeping your air conditioning system in good working order not only gives you constant relief from sweltering weather but also can lead to considerable savings on monthly utility bills. At Fahnestock HVAC, we help with your plumbing needs, electrical work, and indoor air quality, among other services. Our company specializes in hydronic radiant flooring and geothermal energy solutions. Additionally, we have various maintenance plans available. Established in 1946, we are committed to providing the best service and solutions for all your needs. Our team has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is NATE-certified. Contact Fahnestock HVAC today to schedule an appointment.