There is nothing worse than being stuck in the heat. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly.
That’s why it’s so important to perform regular air conditioner maintenance on your home’s HVAC unit. It’s also imperative to have your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance can prevent and even eliminate the need for emergency air conditioner repair.
Using the following AC maintenance tips, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long in Gastonia, NC.
Check the Air Filter For Your HVAC System
One of the most important AC maintenance tips is checking the air filter and cleaning or replacing it if necessary. A clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning system to work harder. This will decrease the quality of your air and your home’s energy efficiency.
Fortunately, checking and replacing your air filter is a simple and easy task that you can do yourself. With a little bit of simple air conditioning maintenance, you can keep your AC unit running at peak performance all summer long — just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully!
Inspect the Outdoor Unit and Remove Any Debris
If your home has an outdoor AC unit, it’s important to inspect it regularly and remove any debris blocking the airflow. Various items can cause blockages, such as leaves, dust, and even insects. This debris can build up over time and eventually obstruct the unit’s intake or exhaust vents — causing the unit to work harder.
Blockages in an AC unit can also cause the air inside your home to become stale and humid, creating an uncomfortable indoor environment. In some cases, these issues can even lead to a complete loss of cooling power. With some preventative maintenance, you can help ensure that your AC unit runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
Trim Any Foliage That May Be Too Close to the Outdoor Unit
It is important to trim any foliage that may be too close to the outdoor unit to avoid the need for emergency AC repair. The outdoor unit needs to have a clear airflow to function properly. If leaves or other debris are blocking the airflow, it can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
It’s best to trim back any foliage within two feet of the unit and clear away any snow or ice that may have built up during winter.
Check the Coolant Level For Proper Air Conditioner Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of regular maintenance for your air conditioner is ensuring that the coolant levels are topped off. The coolant helps to transfer heat away from the air conditioner coils, and if the coolant level gets too low, it can cause the coils to freeze over.
This freezing can lead to a significant decrease in efficiency, and it can also cause long-term damage to your air conditioner. Regularly checking and refilling the coolant level regularly will help prolong the life of your unit and the need for emergency AC repair.
How To Check the Coolant Level In Your Air Conditioner
- Start by locating the access panel on the unit. This panel will usually be found on the side or back of the AC unit.
- Once you have located the panel, remove it to see the coils inside.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris on the coils.
- Once the coils are clean, locate the coolant line. This line will be attached to the coils and lead to a fill valve.
- Check the level of coolant in the line by using a gauge. The level should be between 25 and 50 psi. If it is below 25 psi, you will need to add more coolant. To do this, attach a can of refrigerant to the fill valve and open it up so that the coolant can start flowing into the AC unit.
- Once the correct pressure has been reached, close the valve and replace the access panel.
That’s all there is to it! By regularly checking and topping off the coolant level in your air conditioner, you can help extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently.
If you don’t feel comfortable tampering with your AC system, contact a professional air conditioner maintenance company in Gastonia, NC. These professionals can check your coolant levels for you and give any AC maintenance tips they may have.
Test Your Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bill. By setting the temperature to a comfortable level when you’re home and then turning it up or down when you’re away, you can minimize how much your air conditioner has to work.
However, there’s another reason why testing your programmable thermostat is so important — it can help prevent problems with your air conditioner. Just like any other device in your home, a programmable thermostat can develop problems over time. If those problems aren’t caught and fixed early, they could lead to bigger issues — like an air conditioner that doesn’t work at all.
How Do You Test a Programmable Thermostat?
- Check the batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, make sure the batteries are fresh and have enough power.
- Check the settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct time, day, and temperature. You’d be surprised how often people forget to change the time on their thermostats!
- Test it out: Set the temperature to a comfortable level, and then see if the air conditioner kicks on when it’s supposed to. There might be a problem with the thermostat itself if it doesn’t.
Of course, if you’re having any problems with your air conditioner — whether related to the thermostat or not — it’s always a good idea to call in a professional to perform any air conditioner repair. An HVAC technician will be able to diagnose and fix any issues you’re having and give you the right AC maintenance tips.
Dilling Can Provide You the Best AC Maintenance Tips
As we all know, the summer heat can be unbearable at times. This is why it’s important to have a reliable air conditioner. However, like any other appliance, air conditioners require regular maintenance to function properly.
If you’re not sure how to maintain your AC unit, don’t worry! Dilling can provide you with the best AC maintenance tips. We can also help you troubleshoot any issues you may have with your unit.
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today and let us help you beat the Gastonia, NC, heat this summer!
