Your AC unit does hard work for you, so there's no question that it needs regular maintenance. Too often, we don't even think about doing maintenance on our units until they've malfunctioned on us in the depths of summer. Only then will you realize how much you depend on your AC unit for your comfort... and sanity.
The best time to do maintenance on your unit is before the warm season begins. If you wait until your AC is acting up in the summer, parts will be in higher demand, likewise for AC contractors. That means longer waits to get your unit fixed and higher costs. Check out this brief guide to taking care of your AC unit before the next big heat wave strikes:
Clean the Condenser
Especially in areas with extreme weather, leaves, sticks, and other debris can blow into your AC unit. Make sure that the AC unit is off and no one will turn it on, then remove the grate from over the fans. Use a dry/wet vacuum to suck out any debris. If your unit is on the roof, you're probably going to want to call a professional.
Inspect the Fins
Once you remove the grate, you'll see what looks like fins, probably in an off-white color, on the sides of your unit. They're very fragile, so carefully look over them to check for any damage. If you find none, gently spray the fins off with your house.
Vacuum your Vents
Vents easily get clogged with pet hair, dust, and debris. Not only does this impact the air quality in your home, maybe making you sick and sluggish, but it forces your AC unit to work harder. This means it will age more quickly, needing more repairs and costing you money. Make vacuuming your filters a part of your cleaning routine.
Change Filters
Dirty filters can have the same negative effects. Be sure to change your AC filter every 1-3 months. If you have allergies, asthma, or pets, stay within the 4-6 week range.
These are only a few of the things you have to do to maintain your AC unit. You might be able to take care of cleaning tasks, but when you're looking inside of your unit, it will be hard for an untrained eye to spot any problems, so you might want to have your air conditioning contractor come take a look at least once a year.
Contact a company like Ron Hammes Refrigeration for more information and assistance.
