DIY AC Maintenance Tips

Every homeowner understands that having an air conditioner is more than a luxury; it is a necessity. When it runs, you can have the temperatures you want and stay productive. This means so much, not only because you want to keep your family comfortable, but also to protect them from the effects of exposure to extremely high temperatures. But with these privileges come the responsibility of taking care of your unit. In this blog, we give you a few things you can do on your own to keep your AC in good shape.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly HVAC company in White Bear MN. Our teams of AC professionals have been helping homeowners maintain their air conditioners, guaranteeing optimum comfort and energy efficiency.

Here are DIY AC maintenance tips for you to consider.

Filters

This is one of the easiest ways for you to take care of your AC. The filter is responsible for blocking dirt, dust, and particles that can compromise its airflow and performance. When the airflow is clogged, the air that evades the filter carries dirt directly into the coils and damages the system’s ability to absorb heat.

To avoid this problem, be sure to replace your filters once every thirty days. This step alone can help you lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by as much as 5 to 15 percent.

If you have a central AC unit, your filter should be located somewhere within the return duct’s extent, i.e., in walls, ceilings, or the unit itself. For a room AC, the filter is usually mounted in the grill inside your room.

Be sure to check with your user’s guide to determine whether you have a reusable or replaceable filter. Also, if your cooling system is in constant use, or if it performs in dusty environments, you may need to inspect it more than once a month.

Outdoor Unit

To enable your AC to send fresh air in and remove stale air from your home, it is equipped with an outdoor unit. But since it is located outside, it tends to get dirty quickly. Therefore, you should make sure this part is always clean. The simplest way to do this is to clear any plants, shrubs, or weeds that can hamper the unit’s airflow. Maintain a clear area of at least two feet on all sides of the outdoor unit.

Using basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, you can open the fan cage, remove the grill, and access the interior of the outdoor unit. Look for any kind of debris and clean it. However, if you find this step a little too complicated, call your trusted AC professional.

Fins

Just like how a clean filter ensures proper airflow, so do clean fins that keep your AC “breathing” smoothly. These are metal webs that nearly cover the entire outdoor unit. Their job is to keep dirt outside and allow the airflow through it. Over time, fins can collect dirt, which needs to be removed.

Pull out the outer covering and use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris. Then, with a garden hose, spray through the fins from the outside in to eliminate any dirt or debris between the fins. Avoid using a pressure washer since it can damage these sensitive parts.

Consider Professional AC Maintenance

Most homeowners call an AC technician only when they are already having problems with their systems. While HVAC professionals can provide effective responses, but prevention is still better than cure. One of the most effective means of keeping your air conditioner in great shape is by scheduling an annual maintenance session with a qualified technician.

A maintenance checkup is very much different from a repair job. Repairs are done to fix a single, specific issue with your air conditioner. On the other hand, maintenance sessions are designed to provide an all-inclusive look at the system, checking for any potential issues as well as fixing minor issues that don’t require a service call for a repair. These checks include clogged filters, dirty parts, loose bolts, and similar details that can cause serious problems if left ignored.

For professional North Oaks AC repair and maintenance, call Four Seasons Air Specialists.