Air conditioners (ACs) are one of many homeowners’ essential appliances. This is especially true for those people who live in places with extreme weather conditions. But, even for those who live in temperate areas, an AC is a prime asset in a household. It certainly makes life more comfortable.
Plus, such machines have become relatively affordable and accessible to most people because of technological advances. However, much like owning a car or even a house, you have to invest in maintenance if you want something to last. Regular maintenance is the only way to ensure that they last longer and that you don’t have to replace them prematurely.Â
So, since summer is approaching, it’s worth having your unit checked and prepared for this season. Therefore, you need to partner with professional air conditioning repair technicians who can assist you with this. Yes, you can DIY some AC issues, but it’s always best to let the professionals handle it.
Here are some AC repair and maintenance tips you need to know to prepare for summer:
- Change AC Filters
This is one of the essential things you ought to do. Filters are essential because they make sure that the air circulating is clean. Good filters ensure that the air quality is up to standard. Ideally, filters should be changed regularly, every two to three months, especially if you have pets or allergies.
Filters also play a huge role in determining AC efficiency. Blocked filters can cause poor airflow since the AC has to work harder, thus, causing the AC to be energy-inefficient. This is one of the main reasons some people see rising energy bills suddenly. Moreover, blocked filters can drastically shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. So, before your summer begins, you need to switch the filters or have a technician do it for you.
- Arrange Professional AC Service
It should go without saying that if you own an AC, regular maintenance is something you should prioritize. You need to partner with professional AC technicians who can do regular checkups on your unit. They’ll thoroughly check the entire unit to check what needs to be fixed, ensuring that you don’t encounter significant problems during the summer.
With AC technicians, reliability is essential because, if something breaks down, you need someone who can rush to the scene to attend to your unit as soon as possible. If you’re looking for professional service providers, remember that not all AC professionals may offer reliable services. Therefore, you may have to research to find the best ones in your locale. Use client testimonials or online reviews as a starting point.
- Clean Condenser Coils
Remember, air travels through condenser coils. Therefore, they need to be clean at all times. Now, sometimes, people cover their AC units to prevent materials or debris from entering. In this instance, cleaning the condenser entails removing the cover and allowing it to air out. But, for those who don’t cover up their AC units, leaves and debris will likely collect. So, you need to remove such debris from the fan and condenser coils. If debris has gotten stuck between the coils, you can use a fin comb to remove them. Then, let the air out.
- Inspect Ducts
Now, it’s not uncommon for leaks to occur in ducts. If your AC isn’t cooling correctly, leaky ducts could be the culprit. Note that various ducts within the AC unit can get leaky because of corrosion, faulty installation, pests, and even manufacturer defects. When air leaks out, it doesn’t circulate properly. So, you need to check your ductwork before the summer and ensure that you seal up any visible leak. However, if you suspect that there’s a leak and you fail to DIY it, let the professionals fix it.
- Prepare Thermostat
You need to check and confirm whether the AC thermostat works properly. Most units come with easily programmable thermostats. You configure the temperatures, then they automatically adjust throughout the day. This is great because such a feature enables the efficient use of energy, which could help you save on energy bills. Plus, it can help you keep track of the AC’s energy consumption.
Furthermore, if you’re fortunate enough to own more advanced thermostats, you can program these to switch on when you or someone else arrives home
 Some air conditioners are also equipped with smart technology that enables you to operate the thermostats remotely.
- Check Drain Line
Every air conditioner usually has a drain line for draining any excess moisture from the condenser. However, it’s normal for this area to get clogged, mainly because of algae buildup. So, it’d be best to check and flush this drain line to ensure there are no blockages.
You can use bleach to clean the drain line—one cup should suffice. Remember, minor blockages like this can adversely affect the efficiency of your AC unit. If you’re not sure how to clean a drain line, leave it to the professionals.
- Check Insulation
AC insulation can wear down with time. However, improper installation could cause the insulation to wear down prematurely. Despite that, you need to check the insulation and ensure that you remove all the damaged layers. You could repair them, but it’d be best if you replaced them altogether. Also, have a professional contractor do this for you because this could be a delicate procedure.Â
- Clean Your Unit
You must keep your AC unit clean. You could deep clean it with a brush or rinse it off with water. Bear in mind that dirt can affect the efficiency of your AC. Such units can collect dust on the outside and inside. Dust can mess up the air quality. So, cleaning your AC is essential, especially if you’re preparing it for the summer. Ideally, it’d be best to clean your AC at least once every one or two months.
Conclusion
You need to prioritize preventative maintenance every year. Regular maintenance will rid you of the hassles and costs of ignoring maintenance. Plus, you may have to replace a unit prematurely simply because you chose not to maintain it. Therefore, repair and maintenance are vital to the durability and function of any AC. So, it’s also worth investing in good service technicians who will help you keep it intact throughout its useful life. Even if professional services may come at a cost, the service quality you get is usually worth the premium.
