Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System
Posted on | April 5, 2012 | Comments Off
Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System
Most people don’t think about their air conditioning unit until the hot summer months when they need it the most. To get the most out of your AC system, it is important to maintain it throughout the year. Doing so ensures that it will work efficiently when you really need it. It will also save you money in the long run, because a unit that is maintained properly lasts longer. Many maintenance procedures should be performed by a professional, but there are a few ways homeowners can help keep their air conditioners in top performing shape.
First, use your owner’s manual to locate the outdoor condenser on the unit. Thoroughly inspect the area around the condenser for leaves and other debris; this is especially important during the fall and during the springtime, even though you probably won’t be using your air conditioner much during these seasons. Keeping the condenser clear of debris prevents the inner coil from becoming too hot and decreasing the efficiency of your unit.
Second, replace the unit’s filter as recommended for your particular air conditioner. A dirty filter doesn’t allow for air to be properly forced through, which makes the unit work harder and lose efficiency. Along with this, refer to your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions and clean the unit according to those instructions. Many times, a broom or hose does the job. Remember that both of these steps all work toward making your unit more efficiently.
Next, maintaining your air conditioner also requires steps from inside your home. You can increase the lifespan of your unit by adjusting the thermostat according to when you are home and when you are gone. When you leave for the day, set the thermostat to a higher setting; when you come home, adjust it to a temperature that is comfortable for you. You can also turn the fan setting to auto rather than on. Running your unit only when needed, you can improve its lifespan and efficiency.
And finally, proper air conditioning maintenance dictates that a professional service technician inspect your unit every year or two. This person keeps your machine running at its best by cleaning and adjusting blower parts, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating the moving parts, and cleaning the condenser and coils. Think of it as a tune up for your unit as you would for your car; there are small things you can do to help it run better, but a professional keeps it running at its best for years to come.
(http://www.txacspecialist.com/) Texas Air Conditioning Specialists is your premiere source for Austin air conditioning and heating service, repair and installations.