Your home’s AC unit is one of the hardest working machines in it. Keeping cooled air flowing through the home requires a near-constant operation, especially if you live in a climate that is warm or humid year-round. Because of this, it’s important to maintain the unit so it will last as long as possible. Here are a few tips to keep your system working smoothly.
1. Inspect and Clean Regularly
It’s a good idea to perform basic maintenance on your air conditioner every year. This will look different depending on where you live. In low humidity climates, a simple coil cleaning with a broom and garden hose may be sufficient. If high moisture and heat are the norms, have a professional AC specialist do an in-depth cleaning of the outdoor components to remove mold and dirt that you may not see.
2. Remove Outdoor Obstructions
Often, the outdoor component of the AC unit is near shrubs or trees whose branches may obstruct the coils or fan. Be sure to prune these out every year so that they won’t interfere with the machine. In the autumn, remove fallen leaves from the unit so that they don’t collect around the moving parts. Another obstruction is the lint expelled from your home’s dryer vent. If this vent is near the AC fan, try to point it away from the air intake so it doesn’t clog the component.
3. Check Indoor Components
To reduce wear and tear on the machine, change the air filter at least once a month. A dirty filter causes the motor to work harder and less efficiently. This is an easy and affordable way to ensure good indoor air quality and reduce your utility bill, especially in warmer months. If you’re away from home during the day or travel often, program the thermostat to a few degrees warmer while you’re away. Installing a smart thermostat is a simple way to ensure you don’t have to rely on your memory to do this.
With regular cleaning and care, you can extend the life of your AC unit in Lake Worth, FL. If you have questions or wish to replace the unit entirely, consult The Air Squad.