A Homeowner's Guide to AC Maintenance

by Reggie Moore Professional writer and proto entrepreneur

Air-conditioning units are critical components of any home in hot environments from Arizona to Australia. These units give families a comfortable and clean environment to live in. Like other equipment, AC needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. If an issue is not fixed on time, it can grow bigger and cost more to fix.

Here are steps to maintain your AC system to keep it running efficiently.

Examine the Thermostat

A homeowner should start by checking whether the thermostat is working properly. People with an old manual thermostat should prioritize replacing it with a smart, programmable model.

With a smart thermostat, homeowners can set the temperatures a bit higher when no one is home. The system can cool the interiors down minutes before people get home. A smart thermostat allows homeowners to set schedules for cooling their homes. The automated thermostat improves comfortability at home and helps save on electricity bills since the air conditioner doesn’t have to run when there is no one in the house.

Remove Debris

Due to dangers associated with working around electricity, it is advisable to turn off the air conditioner before opening parts. Besides, remember to turn off power at the breaker box.

After shutting down the system completely, remove the fan cage on the exterior condenser.

Homeowners should carefully remove fasteners using a screwdriver and clean debris by hand or using a garden hose to wash them away. All these should be done gently, not damage or bend the delicate fins on the coil.

Additionally, make sure to trim shrubs and other plants near the air conditioner. Overgrown plant branches hinder airflow to and from the air conditioner.

Replace Or Clean Air Filters

Cleaning or replacing the air conditioner’s air filters is one of the maintenance chores to perform regularly. Homeowners should clean the AC air filters once a month during the high use seasons and once during spring and fall.

Dirt, dust, and allergen particles reduce airflow in an air conditioning system. Dirt and dust not only make your system work harder but also compromises indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality is a culprit of respiratory issues such as asthma.

To avoid dust and dirt problems, homeowners should install high-quality air filters. Less expensive filters are incapable of filtering small particles such as bacteria, pollen, and viruses.

If there is a family member with allergy or asthma issues or pets in the house, the air filters should be cleaned and replaced regularly to improve indoor air quality.

Check Components and Wiring

The components in your air conditioner play a significant role in its operation. Poor components lead to inefficient cooling, which in turn increases energy usage. While your condenser is still off, open the access panel and check for signs of overheating.

Common tell signs of overheating include blackened wires and melted insulation on wires. Also, ensure all electrical wirings are tightly connected. If you find a complex problem, it is prudent to hire a professional to fix it.

Check The Fan

An air conditioning unit can’t work efficiently if the unit’s fan blades aren’t in good shape. Open the condenser unit and check whether the fans are in good shape. If the fans have visible chips or cracks, it is advisable to replace them. When buying new blades, make sure they match the condenser. Give the condenser model number to the seller to ensure you buy the right size of blades.

Regular air conditioner maintenance helps save on energy and keep indoors comfortable. However, air conditioners still develop problems even when regularly maintained. When a conditioner develops issues, it’s prudent to call a reputable professional on time to prevent the problem from worsening. Complex cases will not only eat a huge chunk of your money but also expose your family to oppressive temperatures. If you need to upgrade your system, check out Daikin Air Conditioning in Sydney.