When the hot days of summer arrive, you want your air conditioner to handle the heat and keep your home nice and cool. That requires keeping up with maintenance and repairs. Here are a few things you can do to get the best performance from your AC.
Have An AC Tune-up
Professional service is important so your air conditioner stays in its best shape. A service technician will clean your equipment and get it ready for daily use. They may need to lubricate or replace parts so you can avoid a breakdown in the middle of summer.
The AC technician also tests the level of refrigerant to make sure it is at the right pressure to cool your home. They also check the condensation drain to make sure your AC will drain properly and not spill water on your floor.
Check The Ducts to Seal Air Leaks
Your home needs to be insulated well and have air leaks plugged so your AC can keep your home cool without a struggle. You might want to go around the exterior of your home and look for areas where caulk has crumbled away so you can replace it and keep hot air outside where it belongs.
Also check your ducts for rips or gaps that allow cool air to leak out in your attic. If you find a gap, seal it with mastic or tape so you don't waste energy by cooling down your attic. If air can leak out the ducts, your home won't cool down as well, and that could lead to high energy bills because your AC will run longer to reach the thermostat setting.
Stock Up On Filters
Changing the filter in your AC is an important maintenance step. It's good to have a few filters around so you can put a new one in promptly, rather than put it off until you go to the store and then forget to change it. You may want to buy enough filters to last through the summer so you'll always have one when you need it.
Trim Plants Around The Condenser
If you have foundation plants near your AC outdoors, trim them back so they don't crowd the condenser. Plants get a growth spurt after a summer rain and the branches might grow against the condenser and block airflow. Try to maintain a wide border around the condenser so you don't have to worry about trouble with restricting airflow that causes your AC to malfunction.
Get AC Repairs When Needed
Once you start using your air conditioner, pay attention to how it sounds and operates. If there's a change, such as loud noises coming from the condenser, call an air conditioning repair service right away. Prompt repairs prevent strain on the equipment. A simple problem could turn into an expensive repair if parts are damaged due to a malfunction.
Share23 June 2021
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
