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How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner: Essential Tips for Homeowners

Monday, 25th Nov 2024

How to Clean the Air Conditioner

Dirty or clogged filters limit airflow forcing your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. To keep your AC running , clean or replace the filters every 1-3 months. This helps air flow , boosts efficiency, and keeps your indoor air clean. If you have pets or allergies, you might need to clean them more often.

Keep the Area Clean

Keep the Area Around the Unit Clean Leaves, dirt, and branches near the outdoor unit can block airflow making your AC struggle to cool your space. To help your unit run and avoid overheating, make sure there's a 2-foot clear space around it. Clean the area often to prevent anything from getting in the way.

Check the Thermostat Settings

Setting your thermostat correctly can help optimize your AC’s performance and reduce energy bills. Keeping it around 78°F (25°C) when you're home and using a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you're away can help prevent unnecessary cooling and reduce wear on your system.

Clean the Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils in your air conditioner can accumulate dirt, reducing the system's ability to cool effectively. Cleaning the coils annually helps maintain their efficiency, allowing the AC to cool your home more efficiently and preventing overheating.

Check and Clean the Condensate Drain

The condensate drain removes moisture from the air, but over time, it can become clogged with algae or debris. A blocked drain can lead to water damage and reduced cooling performance. Regularly flush the drain with a mixture of bleach and water to keep it clear.

Inspect the Ductwork

Leaky ducts can waste cool air and decrease efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. Inspect your ducts for any visible damage or leaks and seal them using appropriate materials like mastic sealant or metallic tape. Sealing ducts improves airflow and ensures that cool air is distributed evenly throughout your home.

Ensure Proper Insulation

Proper insulation helps your air conditioner maintain the desired temperature without overworking. Check that your home, especially the attic and walls, is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping. Also, ensure windows and doors are sealed to reduce the load on your AC.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection of your AC system, identify potential issues, and clean components that may be hard to reach, like the coils. Regular professional maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your system runs efficiently year-round.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s cooling ability and potentially damage the compressor. Have a technician check the refrigerant levels during annual maintenance, and if necessary, they can top it up and fix any leaks, ensuring optimal cooling performance.

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

Older air conditioners may consume more energy and have lower cooling efficiency. If your AC unit is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer models are designed to save energy and lower cooling costs while providing better performance.