4 DIY Maintenance Steps that Help Avoid Costly AC Repairs

Your air conditioner is more like your car than you might imagine. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. You would probably want your unit to always be in tip-top shape, because if it ever breaks down and requires repair, it may involve a significant amount of money.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is a leading HVAC company in Vadnais Heights MN. We are experts at maintaining air conditioners and other home comfort systems, making sure that they are running as they should.

Here are some maintenance steps you can do to avoid expensive AC repairs.

Manage your filters.

Your air conditioner’s filters are the easiest to maintain, but they are also the most oft-overlooked parts. When your filters are filled with dirt and debris, they can actually affect the overall performance of the system, causing it to perform at poor levels, and resulting in discomfort for you and your family.

The filter collects many pollutants that could otherwise cause adverse effects on your health. A dirty air filter compromises the airflow of the inside of the system, which can cause it to work harder than it should. As a result, the system will wear out much sooner. This goes without saying that the added energy it consumes will cause you to pay more for inferior cooling.

A clogged filter makes your system let airborne particles travel into your system’s internal parts, leading to the untimely breakdown of the more sensitive parts. If you have household pets, people with allergies, or respiratory conditions, you should clean or replace your air filter at least every 30 days.

Keep in mind that filters with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating need to be changed more often because they trap more pollutants in the filter.

The proper management of your filter will allow your HVAC system to perform its job with ease, giving you greater comfort and lower energy costs.

Clean the outdoor unit.

If you have a split-type air conditioner, you may notice that the outdoor unit can get pretty dirty. This accumulation of dirt causes the system to work harder to provide your desired temperatures.

So, be sure to keep your condenser or compressor clean to reduce the likelihood of damage to any internal parts. Make sure that there is no debris on the top and sides of your outdoor unit. To do this, you can use a garden hose, which will help you clean in between the crevices to get all the gunk out.

While you’re at it, you may also want to double-check the unit’s placement. If the system is uneven, you may have issues with the flow of refrigerant. As a result, your air conditioner may be at risk of breaking down prematurely.

Make sure the drain lines are clean.

Your air conditioner takes out the moisture from the air. Now, this moisture accumulates within the drain lines that are directed outside. Over time, along with the accumulation of dirt and dust, these drain lines can become filthy and even be a breeding ground for algae and mold.

To avoid these problems, make it a practice to periodically clean the drain lines. Remove the air conditioner's outer cover and clean the drain line with a clean piece of cloth. Also, rinse it with a mixture of water and vinegar, which will remove any mold which might have developed.

Deal with odd noises as soon as you can.

Just as you know there’s something wrong when you hear strange sounds as your car runs, the same thing is true of your cooling system. Watch out for rattling, grinding, hissing, and buzzing sounds, which tell you the system needs help. Before the sound gets extremely loud, you should call a qualified technician right away to inspect the system and make the necessary adjustments or repairs. Ignoring these sounds may lead to costly repairs.

Ask the AC Experts

In addition to these DIY tips, the best way to make sure your AC stays in great shape is to have it maintained by a professional at least once per year. As such, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your friendly Woodbury AC repair and maintenance company.