A bit of regular and scheduled maintenance goes a long way. There are some HVAC system maintenance procedures a home or business owner can do on their own. Therefore, before you schedule a maintenance visit with a paid technician, there are some tips and tricks that can help your unit’s efficiency and comfort. In other words, there are few routine household maintenance techniques that pay off more than keeping a schedule for your unit. However, when it comes to technical issues, it is wise to call a professional.
However, performing simple maintenance procedures does give you an opportunity to stay cool all summer as well as avoiding emergency breakdowns. It does also help save money on emergency charges and energy bill. A well-running unit uses less energy, which means that it will cost less to run it. Furthermore, it increases the lifespan of your unit.
Cleaning Or Changing The Air Filter
Filters play a big role in an air conditioning unit and timely replacement of them is considered to be an important, if not the most important maintenance task. A good and clean air filter will improve the efficiency of your unit. To improve your unit performance, you should consider replacing or cleaning your air filter regularly. If you are not sure the type of filter to use, it is wise to seek advice or follow brand recommendations.
Experts at DRB Air Duct Cleaning in Virginia Beach recommend replacing your air filter at least once a year and preferably getting a complete air duct cleaning once every 5 years! Stanley, the owner of the company, confirmed that and also noted that he recommends his customers swap their filters every 3 months, to prevent poor unit performance!
At the same time, it is wise to consider having an annual professional maintenance visit. If your air unit is in use constantly, then you should replace your AC filters frequently. In other words, filters need frequent attention if an air conditioner is constantly running or have a pet in your home.
Cleaning The Coils
It is a known fact that an air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils collect dirt over time. As dirt increases, it insulates the coil and reduces airflow, which reduces its capability to absorb heat. Out-based condenser coils tend to be very dirty, especially if the outdoor is too dusty or there is vegetation close by. To avoid these problems, you can choose to clean it yourself. However, if you do not understand how to go about the whole process, it is wise to consider seeking the services of a professional.
See the video on how to clean those below.
Removing Debris
With time, things like leaves, grass, and dirt clipping building up on the outside of the conditioner. This decreases system capability and even reduces airflow. As such, you should always trim shrubs or any plant around the air conditioner to increase airflow in and out of the unit. This is something that you can do all by yourself. The good news is that some air conditioning repair companies will do this service for free, during an air conditioning maintenance service call. Others will charge you a small fee for the service.
Straightening Coil Fins
The aluminum flippers on condenser and evaporator coils can easily bend; which blocks the flow of air through the coil. The good news is that these fins can be straightened easily. As such, anyone can perform this maintenance. Air conditioning repair professionals do check them during their annual upkeep visit, and they will straighten them if necessary.