With 618 people dying from heat exposure yearly, the importance of maintaining your air conditioner cannot be overstated. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of AC units, ensure efficiency, and save you from costly repairs later down the road. Not to mention, your hot summer days won’t be spent sweating in your own home. Here are some things to include in your yearly AC maintenance checklist:
What You Can Do
DIYing your AC maintenance is a great way to save money and ensure you’re taking care of your unit—here’s what’s safe to do yourself:
1. Change or Clean Air Filters
At least once a year, you should check your air filters and replace or clean them as needed. Dirty air filters can block airflow and reduce efficiency. Although it’s a slower process, if you have reusable air filters, you can save money by simply cleaning them every month.
2. Clean Vents
Just as the air filters need to be kept clean, the vents and ducts should also be cleaned of dust and dirt periodically. Your system will work harder and less efficiently with clogged vents which in turn can heighten energy bills while reducing the cool air you feel.
3. Clean Outside the Unit
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again—cleaning is key. Make sure to give the outside of your unit a good cleaning every once in a while. As dust and dirt accumulate, the unit becomes less efficient. You never know when leaves and debris could get stuck in the outdoor unit.
You can use the following tools to get the job done:
- Vacuum or blower
- Soft brush
- Garden hose
- Mild detergent
Leave it to the Professionals
There are just some things that you need an expert to do. It’s best to have a professional technician come out and inspect your AC unit annually. Here are some of the key things they should check:
1. Check Thermostat
A faulty thermostat is one of the most common AC issues that require professional attention. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose any problems with your thermostat and repair or replace it as needed so your summer days can remain bearable.
2. Electrical Connections
Corrosion can be the culprit of many AC issues, so it’s important to have a professional check all the electrical joints and connections. They will:
- Inspect for frayed wires
- Check the voltage and current draw
- Replace worn-out parts or corroded connections
3. Recharging Refrigerant
Your refrigerant is what keeps your AC unit cool, so it’s important to make sure it is at its optimal level. If refrigerant levels get too low, the system won’t be able to keep up and your home won’t stay as comfortable during hot days. Luckily, a qualified technician can check this and recharge the system if needed.
4. Repairs & Replacements
This is something you don’t want to do on your own—leave it to the professionals. An experienced technician can assess your AC system and see if any parts need to be repaired or replaced for your air conditioner to work optimally. That way, you won’t have to worry about dealing with a broken-down system in the middle of summer!
By following this yearly AC maintenance checklist, you can keep your system running smoothly and maintain its efficiency.
Get the Help of a Professional With Shriver Mechanical
At Shriver Mechanical, we understand the importance of regular AC maintenance and are dedicated to helping you keep your unit running in tip-top shape. Our certified technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose any issues with your system quickly and accurately so that you can get back to enjoying your summer days without worry. We also provide a preventative maintenance plan to ensure your systems are always running efficiently.
Contact us today to experience a thriving AC system for yourself.