Air Conditioning Maintenance

Best ways to look after your air conditioning

We will show you exactly how to care for your air conditioner and how to keep it running smoothly and efficiently, not only saving you money, but also keeping you cool during those steaming summer days.

While, air conditioners are built to be tough and strong, they still need regular maintenance to keep in proper working order. Did you know that your air conditioner is built to last for at least fifteen years?

That is a good peace of mind, however, if you do not look after it in a proper manner, you might find that it lasts only a year or two. With that being said, what are the best ways to look after your air conditioner?

Inspections

It is necessary to routinely have your air conditioner inspected. For larger air conditioners, it is wise to have a trained heating and cooling technician come out and give the unit a thorough inspection.

However, for smaller units, such as window air conditioners, you can inspect the unit yourself. Some things you want to look for include free draining of your condensate tube and any leaks coming from the hoses of the air conditioner.

Your air conditioner should be inspected at least twice each year. Some good times for inspection are just prior to the warmer season and just before the fall.

Inspecting the unit before it needs to be used and after you have used it all season is a good idea because it gives you the opportunity to identify any troubles or damage that may be lurking.

Filters

Just as with your car or your heating unit, inspecting, changing, or cleaning your air conditioner filters is crucial. The filters work to keep your air conditioner running properly and economically at the same time.

Therefore, you need to inspect them once per month. If they are damaged or of the type that cannot be cleaned, you need to change the filter.

Filters tend to become blocked with pollutants and dust that is in the air, the more the air conditioner runs, the more the filter is being used. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the air flowing to and from the air conditioner properly by taking care of the filters at least once per month.

Larger Units Need Care Too

You know that big compressor outside of your home? It needs your attention as well. It is a good idea to make sure that any outdoor planting you do, you keep them at least one foot from the compressor.

The area should also be free of weeds and grass. Taking these simple steps can ensure that the air continues to flow in and around the unit adequately.

Winter Care

While you want to take care of your air conditioner during the times that you will be using it most, such as summer time, you also want to be sure that your unit is taken care of during the winter time as well. During the winter, depending on where you live, the weather can get harsh, therefore, you need to take steps to ensure that your unit is well protected.

The first step you need to take is in regards to window units. Your window units should be removed if at all possible. When removing the air conditioner, be sure that you drain any excess moisture that might be built up.

This can usually be achieved by tilting the unit and allowing the liquid to drain out. You will then want to store the window unit in a dry and warm place to ensure that they do not freeze. Outside in a shed is not generally a good idea, unless you are sure that you have eliminated any and all liquid or moisture from the unit.

For those who have full house units, your outside compressor needs to be protected as well. It is always a good idea to cover up the compressor during the winter time. This will keep it protected from the elements.

Professional Help

Having your air conditioner inspected and routine maintenance performed by a professional, at least once a year is the best way to keep your air conditioner running in the proper order and here is why. Not only will you extend the life of your air conditioner, but the small cost of this work can actually save you money in the long run.

Think about it. If you have a professional perform this service for you, you are taking steps to ensure that any problems are corrected. This means that costly repairs are generally unneeded, which saves you money.

At the same time, making sure that your air conditioner is running efficiently means that you can save money on the costs of operation as well. You can save upwards to 5% just on operating costs each year by performing regular maintenance.