Peak Performance For Central Air Conditioning - A How To Guide

As the summer months begin to heat up, a greater work load is being placed on your central air conditioning unit, causing it to work harder to keep your home cool. This translates into higher electricity bills, and a greater chance of equipment breakdown if the unit is not properly maintained. Here is your how to guide for peak air conditioning performance this summer to keep your home a pleasant thermal environment all summer long.

Summer tips

For most cleaning and maintenance operations made directly to your A/C unit you will want to hire a licensed HVAC technician, but there are a few things you can do yourself this summer to make sure your A/C unit performs at its highest level. Keep the unit clean and free of debris, including grass, weeds, or vines that may grow near or around the condenser and obstruct the air flow.

Carefully clean the A/C's fins with a soft bristle brush. These fins are very delicate and break very easily, so be very careful. Do not use a water hose to clean your air conditioner as this leads to a build up of mud and other debris that will actually negate your air conditioner's performance. As mentioned, any service beyond a basic cleaning of your air conditioner should be handled by a licensed, professional HVAC technician.

The importance of regular maintenance

Few things will maintain your air conditioner's performance like regular preventative maintenance. With scheduled maintenance, your unit is more likely to last for many years, in some cases upwards of two decades! A professional technician will not only clean your unit but will replace parts, lubricate the machine, patch holes in ducts, and generally make sure that everything is in optimal working order. This ensures that your system is as efficient as possible, and ready to handle the heavy workload placed on it during the hot summer months.

How old is your unit?

Eventually, every A/C unit will approach the end of its useful life. When this happens, the main components of the system will start to degrade or decompose, and pose a threat to the machine's operating efficiency, and to the safety of your home. At this point, it is usually more expensive to repair the unit than it is to replace it. Your preventative maintenance service provider will help you find a replacement system that fits your home and your budget. By following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to a cool, comfortable environment in your home all summer long.