Few things are worse than a broken air conditioner on a hot summer day.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure your home stays cool, even as temperatures increase.
Read on to learn more about maintaining your A/C throughout the summer:
Change Filters Regularly
Changing out your A/C filter regularly is one of the easiest things to do to make sure your system works effectively.
When a filter is clogged with dust, the A/C unit must work harder to cool your home. Over time, a clogged filter could cause significant damage to your air conditioner as well.
Filters come in many shapes and sizes, so be sure to know what type of filter your A/C unit needs. For reusable filters, vacuum and rinse them frequently to remove dust and debris.
Disposable filters should be changed monthly. One easy way to remember is to tie it to an existing monthly task.
For instance, you may want to change your A/C filter the same day you pay your rent or mortgage.
Clean Vents
When A/C vents are clean and free of dust or debris, air is able to freely flow, keeping the room cooler.
To clean your vents, first turn off the power to your A/C system and unscrew them from the wall or ceiling.
For loose dust or cobwebs, you may be able to simply brush the debris away.
If your vents are caked with dust and dirt, clean them with soap and water, then dry with a clean cloth before you screw them back into place.
Clear Drainage Lines
Everyone knows that air conditioners pump cold air into rooms to cool them, but they also remove moisture from the air. In the summertime, the A/C removes humidity, which helps with cooling.
As moisture is removed, condensation forms on the evaporator coil then drips into the condensation pan. The pan connects to a pipe that takes the liquid out of the home and deposits it into the yard.
Along with condensation, dust and bacteria often make their way into the drainage line, causing a grime that could block the line over time.
Boiling water poured into the drainage line or using a wet-vac can often clear a blockage.
However, if a clog appears in your drainage line, it’s best to contact an HVAC technician to avoid damage to your A/C system.
Clear the Area Around Your A/C Unit
Maintaining your outdoor air handler is just as important as maintaining the unit inside your home. Be sure to keep the area around your air conditioning unit clean and free of debris.
Keep grass low and trim plants back away from the walls of the system.
This way, no outside debris will make its way into the system, which can restrict air flow or create a clog.
Help Your A/C Work More Efficiently
While we rely primarily on our air conditioning units to cool our homes, there are many other things we can do to take some pressure off the A/C.
Curtains, for instance, block the hot summer sun from heating your home, and they also prevent air from escaping through older, less energy efficient windows.
Replacing your windows’ weatherstripping will also help to keep the cold air inside.
If your home has ceiling fans, be sure to use them, especially in the summer months, even if your air conditioner is running. The fans will help to keep the room cool, which will make the air conditioner’s job of bringing down the temperature a lot easier.
It’s also a good idea to let your system rest when the house will be empty.
Hire a Professional
Don’t wait until your A/C breaks on a hot July afternoon to call your HVAC technician. Schedule an appointment before the summer heat sets in, even if you don’t suspect any issues.
our experienced technician will clean and inspect the system, recommending any necessary repairs.
This way, your air conditioner will be in prime working condition before the summer heat sets in.
Stay Cool as Temperatures Increase
Don’t wait until your A/C breaks to maintain it. Change filters and clean vents regularly, and clear drainage lines when needed.
Keep the area around your outdoor handler clear as well.
You can also take the pressure off your air conditioner by keeping curtains closed, weatherstripping windows, and using ceiling fans.
Remember to schedule an A/C inspection before summer, too, to keep your house cool, no matter the temperature!
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