5 Essential AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
75% of all U.S. homes have air conditioners. When they’re not working correctly, we definitely take notice.
That’s why it’s important to maintain your AC to ensure that you don’t end up without it on a really hot day.
It’s not just a matter of comfort either. A well-running AC unit keeps the humidity low which is important to keep mold and mildew from growing.
Your home’s air conditioning system is key to keeping your home cool, but you need to maintain it regularly for optimal performance. Keep reading to learn five AC maintenance tips.
1. Change the Filter
The purpose of the air filter is to catch dust, pet hair, and other household contaminants. The filter keeps these things from messing with the air conditioner’s operation.
The filter eventually gets clogged up making the unit work harder than it should. Change the filter once a month to prevent problems from build-up.
2. Clean the Outside Unit
Top on the list of AC tips and tricks that many people don’t think about is keeping the outside unit clean. Use the brush attachment on your utility vacuum to vacuum the fins.
Once the debris has been removed, use the hose to gently clear away the remaining dust. Start at the top and work your way down.
3. Thermostat Check-Up
Making sure the thermostat is working correctly is one of the easier maintenance tips, but that doesn’t make it less important.
If it’s not working properly, your air conditioner may be working overtime for no reason.
If you have an older thermostat, you might want to upgrade to a programmable one. This way you can raise the temperature when no one is home. You can set it to start cooling shortly before you arrive home.
4. Check the Drain Line
Have you experienced a clogged drain line? It’s an easy fix but it can come at an inopportune time.
The purpose of the drain line is to drain the excess moisture from the condenser. Sometimes it gets clogged from algae or mold growth.
Flushing the line from time to time with some bleach keeps this from happening.
5. Keep the Unit Clear
For your AC unit to work at top efficiency, it needs free-flowing air. If you have plants or bushes around it for aesthetics, be sure to keep them trimmed.
Keep all weeds, grass, and bushes away so that the air can flow into the unit.
Wondering about average ac repair cost? You can expect to pay between $70 and $130 for labor costs. Some companies charge a service cost or a flat rate between $70 and $200.
AC Maintenance Services
When you stick to your AC maintenance checklist, you’re helping lengthen the life of your AC unit. AC maintenance DIY leads to proper airflow and drainage which in turn ensures that the unit runs more efficiently.
Looking for more home maintenance tips? Check out the other articles under the home improvement tab. We also cover topics like business, health, entertainment, and more.
