The air conditioner is one of the most important pieces of technology in your home. Without it, our homes would no doubt be uncomfortably hot or cold. However, as technology has improved over the years, so have AC requirements. From changing AC filters regularly to cleaning the fins and evaporator coils, there are things that you could do to ensure that the system runs efficiently for years. To ensure your AC performs its duties to the maximum, contacting a professional such as True Blue Heat and Air to do regular maintenance is recommended. Read below to know how you can minimize your repair needs.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance checks will help keep your AC running smoothly for a longer period of time. This means it will run effectively and efficiently with no increase in energy requirement. Maintenance checks can be conducted by a professional. They will repair what needs repairing and even fix the minor problems that could have turned to bigger problems later.
Replacing The AC Filter
The air conditioner filter is a vital part of your AC. Not only does it keep the air in your home cleaner, but it also ensures that your system is working at its best. If you do not change the filter every month or two, your AC will start having problems. When you change the filter, you ensure that dust is not getting into the system and causing an unnecessary blockage, which could increase power consumption and heat.
Check Thermostat Settings
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not monitoring the thermostat as it runs throughout the day. If you find that you feel as if your home is too hot or too cold, check the thermostat settings. Many times, we set our AC for a range and run it overnight and never look at it until we wake up in the morning. This could be greatly affecting your energy bill and cooling capabilities. As you get used to the new settings, keep an eye on them to ensure the system is running efficiently.
Make Sure There Is Proper Ventilation
In order for your AC to run properly, there must be adequate ventilation. This means that there is a continuous flow of fresh air coming into the home, and stale air going out of it. If the vents are blocked by furniture, carpeting, or anything else for that matter, then you could possibly have a problem with lack of airflow or excess moisture in your home. Make sure that there is easy access to the vents, and that they are always clear of obstructions.
Another major mistake that is often made is the improper installation of your vents. This could be the result of poor planning or just poor craftsmanship. If you find that there are cracks in your vents, holes, or any other type of damage, it could cause a number of issues with your AC system. In order to ensure proper efficiency and safety, have the problem professionally taken care of as soon as possible.
Check Electrical Systems
Your electrical system can affect the performance of your AC quite drastically if it is not maintained properly. For example, if your circuit breaker goes out or you are using too many electrical devices in the home, this can affect the performance of your AC. Turn off all unnecessary electronics until you figure out the problem. If your circuit breaker keeps going out, it is most likely overloaded or there is a problem with another system in your home. For more information on electrical maintenance, reach out to an expert.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can be caused by many things, but most often, they are caused by poor energy flow. Even though you may not see an air leak, it can still affect your system in a negative way. By looking for these leaks in the home, you could discover that there is less airflow in certain areas when compared to others. This could cause your AC unit to spend more time cycling when it should be running continuously.
Take Care Of Your AC Unit
Keeping the air conditioner unit in your home thoroughly maintained is important for two reasons. The first reason is that it will increase its life expectancy, and reduce your need to replace it before you would like to. The second reason is that it will help decrease your energy usage during the hot summer months, which can save you money on your energy bills. If you notice any signs of damage on your air conditioner, call an expert to check it out.