6 AC Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Unit Running Smoothly

Fewer than half of all AC unit owners consult with professionals for AC maintenance. While there are times when you should turn to professionals for assistance, there is maintenance you can do on your own for upkeep.

Read on for six AC upkeep tips that will keep your unit running smoothly.

Check Insulation

Air conditioner maintenance is key to keep things operational. But where should you start? If your AC is running inefficiently then check in on rotting or damaged insulation, to make any necessary replacements.

Replace the Air Filter

Check for any buildup on your air filter. The frequency of change will depend on your home’s inhabitants.

Replace the air filter every 90 days in homes without pets. If you have dog or cats the extra hair and dander will get picked up by the filter and require more frequent changes. We recommend you change your filter every 60 days if you have pets.

Make Inspection a Part of Your AC Maintenance

Be sure to inspect your AC unit for needed repairs on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on faulty parts or areas that otherwise could use replacing, will save you money in the long run.

Inspect coils, the blower motor, and refrigerant levels to start. You can find a full maintenance checklist online to help guide you through the process or seek out a professional’s help to ensure you aren’t missing anything important.

Make Use of a Fin Comb

Bent fins on an AC unit can cause the unit to run improperly. If you don’t already have a fin comb, we suggest picking one up from your local home improvement store.

Fin combs can be used to straighten bent combs in your unit. Take care to protect your hands, preferably with gloves, when you work on repairing this portion of your unit.

Use a Brush to Keep Your Unit Clean and Operating Properly

A clean AC is your ticket to better air quality, a benefit of a properly functioning AC unit.

Besides correcting bent fins, you can use a brush to clean of your unit and keep it from clogging. You can use a stiff-bristled brush and a foaming cleanser to scrub away dirt and grime built up along your unit.

You can outsource this work to a professional if you’d rather avoid working on the unit yourself.

Decide When It’s Time for a New Unit

Proper AC maintenance will do wonders to increase efficiency and keep your system running smoothly. However, there is only so much that homeowners can do to keep their AC running.

Eventually, AC units will need to be replaced. This occurs roughly every fifteen to twenty years, given no outside damage. This lifespan fluctuated depending on where you live as well, as different climates can have varying effects on ac wear-and-tear.

Putting in the Time for Proper AC Maintenance

AC maintenance is just part of owning an AC unit. With proper maintenance, you can elongate the lifespan of your unit and save yourself money in the long run. Following these six steps to better maintenance can help, but if your unit is behaving strangely reach out to a professional for help.