Air conditioning units are staples of modern American homes, with units installed in 91% of households across the country. ACs help to reduce high humidity, stop insects, improve air quality, reduce the risk of dehydration, and reduce odors.
Depending on the specific type of AC, units can last for upwards of 25 years. This is dependent on proper care and maintenance for your unit. Both at-home routine care and regular services by a professional HVAC contractor are important to ensure that your AC continues to work properly.
In this blog post, we will share an essential checklist for AC maintenance. With this home AC maintenance guide, you will be able to keep your unit in tip-top condition for longer.
Replace the Air Filter
It is recommended that you change the air filter every 3 months. There are certain conditions where it is advisable to do this more frequently, including if you have any household pests. If you neglect to frequently change your air filter, you risk the AC failing.
Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The efficiency of your AC unit will be affected if the coils are dirty. To clean the condenser coil on the outdoor unit, spray it down using a hose. With the evaporator coil on the air handler, always exercise caution to avoid getting other parts of the unit wet.
Lubricate Blower and Condenser Fans
It is essential that the fans rotate freely and may require some oil to do so. When inspecting the fan, check that it is free of debris and that both it and the motor rotate freely. If the fan belt and pulleys look overworn, they will need to be changed.
Inspect Electrical Wirings and Controls
If you notice any electrical wiring or control issues, you should schedule a service from a professional HVAC contractor. During an inspection, you can use an air compressor to blow out any debris or dead insects from the electrical enclosure. Also, check that the thermostat is in proper working order.
Schedule Routine Professional Services
It is recommended that you schedule a service for your AC unit twice a year, often in the springtime and once in the fall. This will help to ensure that the unit is operating as optimally as possible. If your unit is not used frequently, once-yearly services may suffice.
To learn more about AC maintenance services, check out Air Medics AC and Heating.
Checklist for AC Maintenance
Regular at-home maintenance will keep your AC unit in good working condition. On top of this, twice-yearly services by a professional will help to improve the unit’s lifespan. Given how important ACs are to homeowners today, you should never ignore any warning signs that something is wrong with the unit.
Like this blog post on the checklist for AC maintenance? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
