5 Important Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

It’s getting warmer and warmer. It’s time to get your air conditioner ready for summer! Since it has been sitting idle for the past several months, you need to take a few steps to prepare your AC for another busy season. In this blog, we are going to give you a few tips you can follow to ensure your cooling system works as smoothly as possible this summer.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your leading HVAC company in White Bear MN. We are experts at fine-tuning air conditioners, making them energy-efficient and reliable.

Overview

The Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling accounts for about half of your home’s total energy usage. This number can easily go up if your AC is not properly maintained, causing it to work in extreme conditions. Studies show that a well-maintained air conditioner lowers your home’s energy usage by as much as 20 to 30 percent. With that in mind, here are tips you should follow to get those energy savings.

Start with the filter.

Your air conditioner’s filter may be the easiest part to maintain, but you’d be surprised to know that far too many homeowners fail to look after it unless their AC starts to act up. The filter captures dust, debris, and other particles and keeps them from getting into your cooling system. Since your AC was idle over the past several months, the filter is likely dirty and needs cleaning or replacing (depending on the unit). So, be sure to keep your filter clean to avoid airflow issues and subpar cooling.

Inspect the ductwork.

Most U.S. homes are equipped with HVAC systems that deliver cooled or heated air via a network of ducts. Your home is probably one of them. As long as you haven’t had any issues with the airflow from your heating system, it could mean your ducts are in good shape. Having said that, it’s still best to check the ductwork to make sure there are no cracks, holes, or any other forms of damage. This process should only take a few minutes, and if it will save you hundreds of dollars worth of repair, why not do it, right?

However, there are cases when your duct would need deep cleaning, especially when you smell bad odors coming out of your vents, or there’s a presence of mold on the ducts. Duct cleaning should only be done by a qualified technician as it requires a special set of tools and training to properly clean the ducts.

Take a close look at the compressor and coil.

Your AC’s compressor and coils need to be kept clean, otherwise, the unit will work with an extra load that can cause overheating and a shortened lifespan.

The outdoor unit may have collected leaves and twigs that can impede the airflow. So, clear the area surrounding the outdoor unit. If the coils and condenser are located inside, try to clean the coils to improve the unit’s efficiency and overall performance. If you find this step too complex, call a professional for help.

Check the refrigerant lines.

The tubes or pipes that run from the indoor evaporator unit to the outdoor condenser unit deliver the refrigerant, which is responsible for cooling your home. These tubes should be covered with foam coolant insulation. Look at these tubes and determine if there are any damaged parts. If the tubes look defiled or deformed, you need to call an AC technician before turning the system on. The insulation foam needs to be replaced to make the unit work properly.

Test the unit.

If you have done all the inspections, it is now time for you to start the AC to see if the unit works as it should. Listen to the sound it creates. If it sounds normal, you’re likely good to go. But if there are weird, loud sounds coming from your AC, it could indicate an internal problem. Call a qualified technician to look into it.

Ask the Cooling Pros

To ensure your AC works as perfectly as possible, call Four Seasons Air Specialists. We have teams of seasoned AC experts who can inspect, lubricate, and make sure your unit has the right amount of refrigerant to ensure smooth operation. We are your trusted North Oaks AC repair and maintenance company.