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What are Some of the Best Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips?

Keeping your air conditioning system in good condition basically helps a great deal in ensuring comfort, efficiency, and life span. Regular maintenance is often the best way to ensure smooth functioning of AC and avoid costly repair charges, hence extending its lifespan. If you are in search of ways to keep your air conditioner in perfect condition, then you have come to the right place. Following are some general tips for effectively servicing your AC. If you feel the need for professional help regarding air conditioning repair services, periodic maintenance, or unit installation, you can contact Homestar HVAC.

10 Best Tips for Air Conditioning Maintenance

Let’s now have a closer look at the 10 best tips related to air conditioning maintenance provided by Homestar HVAC to help you with an always finely working system.

1. Regularly Replace the Air Filter

Changing out your air filter is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to take care of your air conditioner. A clean filter ensures that your AC functions well because of free air flow through it. If the filter is clogged, then your system is forced to work harder, which may result in higher energy bills and even damage. Change every 1-3 months depending on usage and type of filter.

2. Clean the Coils

Your air conditioner has two sets of coils: the evaporator coils and the condenser coils. As these coils gather dirt over time, efficiency goes down. To help this along, clear away debris from around the outdoors unit. Clean the condenser coils with a soft brush or a vacuum and check the evaporator coils if you’re comfortable doing so.

3.  Leave Space Around the AC Unit Open

Both indoor and outdoor units need good air circulation in order to work well. The outdoor unit’s area should not collect leaves, dirt, or any other forms of filth. As for the indoor unit, make sure no furniture or any other items block vents or airways. Good airflow will also make your AC work effectively and prevent overheating.

4. Check the Thermostat

Keep your thermostat working right: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run too long or too short. If your AC does not seem to turn on and off at the correct times, for instance, it could be time to recalibrate or replace it altogether. You might want to consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically raise and lower the temperature at different times of the day in order to help you save energy dollars.

5. Inspect and Clean the Condensate Drain

The condensate drain is an exit for all that moisture your air conditioner pulls out of the air. If this line becomes clogged, water damage could result, and it might even impact the performance of your AC. Check the drain regularly, making sure to remove blockages with a small brush or vacuum. Water leaking around the indoor unit may be a sign of an obstruction that should be checked. Homestar HVAC offers air conditioning maintenance services to keep your condensate drain in the best condition.

6. Check for Leaks

The leakage in the ductwork or refrigerant lines can make your air conditioner run not as efficiently. Your ducts should be visually inspected for any damage or leaks, and ensure that all connections are secure. It would be advisable to let a professional handle refrigerant leaks, as such leaks reduce efficiency but also are hazardous to health and the environment.

7. Schedule Annual Professional Inspections

While many maintenance tasks can be handled personally, there can be no peace of mind like annual professional inspections. Professional technicians will check and clean your electrical components, test for refrigerant levels, and clean those areas you can’t see during a standard home inspection. This allows probable issues to be nailed before they become major ones, so that your system can run efficiently.  Trust Homestar HVAC to provide top-notch service and expertise, giving the best service and expertise possible.

8. Lubricate Moving Parts

Most air conditioners have moving parts like fans, motors which have to be lubricated to move freely. Without proper lubrication, friction leads to wear and tear. A technician can perform this during your annual inspection. If you do your own maintenance then you can apply lubricant on an as-needed basis as specified by the manufacturer.

9. Check and Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Though this is not directly related to the air conditioner, proper insulation of your house will greatly raise the efficiency of your AC. Perceive the drafts around windows and doors; seal leaks around them so cool air does not get out and hot air does not come in. Proper insulation supports your AC to maintain consistent temperature settings and lowers its workload.

10. Adjust the Temperature Settings

Keeping the temperature setting of your thermostat around a constant and moderate temperature will be able to help your air conditioner avoid overwork. Extreme temperatures force added stress on your system. Setting the temperature at a comfortable temperature with minimal changes and trying to resist the urge to constantly change your thermostat settings.

Conclusion

Air conditioner maintenance plays an important role in keeping an air conditioner running smoothly and effectively as long as possible. Following the tips, regular replacement of air filters, cleaning coils, leaving space clear, checking thermostat, condensate drain, taking care of the leaks, will keep your AC in the best possible manner. If there is any professional need regarding repairs, maintenance, or installation for you, Homestar HVAC is present to help you out with reliable service. Provide it with a little attention and the support of people you can rely on, and this air conditioner will keep you cool and comfortable for years to come.

Note: This article is originally published at Homestar HVAC Solutions