You've just realized it's almost summer and your AC is making weird noises again. Uh oh. You know you should probably get it cleaned and serviced before the heat hits, but you've been putting it off.
We get it, AC maintenance is one of those necessary evils of homeownership that just never seems very fun or exciting. But suffering through a hot, sticky summer with a broken AC would be way worse. The good news is that keeping your AC in shape isn't as complicated as it seems.
With a few simple cleaning tips and tricks, you can make sure your cooling system is ready to keep things comfortable all season long. We'll walk you through exactly what to do so you can breeze through Airconditioning cleaning and get back to enjoying your summer.
Why Regular AC Maintenance Matters
If you want your AC unit running efficiently all summer long, regular maintenance is key. Neglecting your AC can cost you serious money and discomfort down the road.
Reduce Energy Bills
A clean, well-maintained AC uses less energy. Things like a clogged filter, dirty coils, and refrigerant leaks lower efficiency and rack up your utility bills. Did you know that by just cleaning the airduct, it can save you 20% of your aircon power consumption. That’s precisely why air duct cleaning fort collins is essential! Annual tune-ups catch these issues early and can improve your AC’s efficiency by up to 30% according to some studies.
Improve Reliability
Regular HVAC checkups help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Small problems like corroded wires or failing capacitors get fixed before they spiral into expensive repairs or total system replacements. Well-maintained ACs last 10-15 years on average, while neglected units often need replacement after just 5-8 years.
Enhance Comfort
A properly functioning AC keeps your home at the perfect temperature. Unaddressed issues like low refrigerant, dirty blowers, or improper ductwork reduce cooling power and make your AC work harder to reach the set temperature. You'll notice rooms are unevenly cooled or the AC is constantly running but never quite keeping up.
Keeping your home conditioning in top shape with annual tune-ups and filter changes is well worth the investment. You'll gain more comfortable summers, lower energy costs, and fewer expensive emergency calls from your local HVAC technician. A few hours of maintenance each year can save you time, money, and hassle for years to come.
DIY AC Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Unit in Top Shape
To keep your AC running efficiently all summer long, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some DIY tips to keep your unit in tip-top shape without calling in a pro.
Clean the filters
The AC filters trap dust, dirt and allergens so they’re not blowing into your home. Over time, they can get clogged up and reduce airflow and efficiency. It’s recommended to clean or replace your filters once a month. Simply slide out the old filters, vacuum or rinse them to remove built-up debris and slide in new or cleaned filters.
Inspect the condenser coils
The condenser coils release heat from your home. As dirt and debris builds up on the coils, your AC has to work harder to cool your place. About once a month, shut off the power to your AC and use a hose to spray down the condenser coils, removing any built-up dirt or debris. Be careful not to bend the fins on the coils.
Clear the condensate drain line
The condensate drain line removes moisture from the AC system. If it gets clogged, water can overflow and damage your walls or floors. Pour about a cup of bleach down the drain line every few months to prevent algae buildup and keep things running clear.
Seal and insulate the ductwork
If your ductwork isn’t properly sealed and insulated, cold air can leak out and warm air creep in, reducing efficiency. Check where your ducts meet vents or the AC unit and seal any gaps or holes with mastic sealant or metal duct tape. You should also insulate ducts that run through hot spaces like the attic. Adding insulation can improve your AC’s efficiency by up to 30%!
By performing regular maintenance like cleaning filters, inspecting coils, clearing drains and sealing ducts, you can keep your AC running strong all season long without wasting energy or money. Stay cool!
When to Call in the Pros for AC Service
As much as we’d like to handle all AC maintenance ourselves, there are times when it’s best to call in the professionals. If your unit is making strange noises, not cooling properly, or needs serious cleaning, it’s worth the investment to have an HVAC technician service your AC.
Strange Noises
If your AC starts rattling, squealing or making other odd sounds, it’s not something you want to ignore. Strange noises often mean there’s an issue with the compressor, fan or other components that needs to be addressed. Continuing to run the AC could cause further damage, so call for service right away. It’s best to be safe rather than end up with an AC unit that needs expensive repairs or replacement.
Not Cooling Well
If your AC isn’t blowing as cold as it used to or isn’t keeping your home comfortable, it likely needs professional attention. Any number of issues like low refrigerant, a clogged filter or condenser coil could be reducing your AC’s efficiency. An HVAC tech has the tools and know-how to test your AC, determine the cause of the problem and get your unit chilling again.
Time for a Tune-Up
Even if your AC seems to be working fine, it’s a good idea to have it serviced annually before the start of the cooling season. A tune-up by a professional can help spot small issues before they become big problems, ensure all components are working properly and clean out any built-up dirt or debris. Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your AC running efficiently for years to come.
When in doubt, call the pros. Your AC is an important investment, and professional service and repairs will help keep it running strong all through the hot summer months. Put your DIY skills aside on this one—you'll be glad you did.
Conclusion
So there you have it - some simple tips to keep your AC unit clean and running smoothly all summer long. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Just by changing filters regularly, clearing out debris, and giving the coils a rinse every now and then, you can avoid major problems and keep things cool. And don't forget to call in a professional every few years for a thorough tune-up. Taking good care of your AC doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Follow these handy suggestions, and you'll be chilling in no time. Stay cool out there!