Air Conditioning Service Tips to Keep Your AC System Running As Powerful and Efficient As Possible

Many homeowners don't consider maintaining and servicing their AC unit until they have a cooling problem. This is what often leads to inefficient airflow, higher utility costs and replacement parts.

Air conditioning systems may be the most expensive appliances homeowners ever have to purchase. The good news, however, is that they can be maintained and serviced relatively inexpensively. Below you will find some air conditioning service tips that will help to maximize the life of your air conditioner, while saving you money on cooling costs and repair bills.

Do It Yourself: Air Conditioning Service Tips That Can be Done In An Afternoon

While not every person is skilled enough to replace worn parts inside their condenser unit, there are plenty of things you can still do to keep your air conditioner running in tip-top shape.

We'll start with the most common cause of air conditioning inefficiencies, and go ahead and suggest that you change your filter, and change it now. Chances are, the filter that is sitting inside your machine is the exact same filter that was there last year, and possibly the year before that. Filters get clogged with dirt and debris, which impedes the airflow your machine needs to run properly. A dirty filter can also cause another, more expensive, side effect. It can cause the evaporator to freeze up, and in the event that it does happen you will find yourself calling a service technician on a sweltering summer day. Filter changes are recommended at least every 30 days in the summer months, and the price of new filters is easily offset by the efficiency of your machine.

If you happen to have covered the top or the sides of the condenser with lattice, plants or any other aesthetically pleasing cover, now is the time to remove your beautiful structure or garden. Covering the condenser unit restricts airflow and all plants or other covering materials should kept a minimum of 24" away from the sides of the unit, with nothing covering the top.

Hiring An Air Conditioning Technician To Perform Routine Maintenance

You shouldn't wait until you have odd sounds or smells coming from your machine to have it checked out. Having an air conditioning technician perform maintenance on your unit once a year can save you plenty of money in the long run, not to mention the complete discomfort you may experience if your machine decides to break-down on the hottest day of the year.

Consider having an AC repair technician perform a tune-up on your unit in the spring, before the weather warms up. This will give you peace of mind for the coming summer months, and give you ample time to save for a repair that may be needed. During a tune-up, technicians will inspect your condenser for leaks and check electrical components and controls to ensure they are in good working order, as well as deep cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. Technicians will clean the AC drain, and this can be crucial for your home. Any backed up water will be cleared out, saving the structure of your home from potential water damage, which can also lead to a full-blown mold remediation if it goes undetected. They will also oil the motor if it is necessary, check the filters and the condenser itself to spot any minor problems before they turn into a more expensive situation.