AC maintenance is something you should stay on top of throughout the year. A well-maintained system will live longer, operate more efficiently, and require fewer repairs. There are a few things that you can do yourself and others you should trust to our professionals. Here’s a rundown of important maintenance tasks.
Changing Your Air Filter
The air filter is something that homeowners can easily address on their own. You should give your filter a quick visual inspection once a month for a visible buildup of dirt and dust. If it’s dirty, go ahead and change the filter. If not, check back next month. Swap the filter at least quarterly to maintain healthy indoor air quality. You’ll probably need to change the filter more often during the hotter months.
Landscaping Around the AC Unit
Check your exterior AC unit and make sure the area is free from debris. Clear away leaves, sticks, and other clutter that may restrict the airflow regularly. Landscape the area so there’s no grass or foliage for at least two feet in all directions. This will help prevent clogs which will decrease airflow and efficiency for your cooling system.
Changing Thermostat Batteries
Check your thermostat periodically to make sure the batteries are good if required. Most thermostats will give you a warning when the battery is getting low. Change to fresh batteries promptly to make sure your system is operating as accurately and efficiently as possible. If your thermostat isn’t functioning as it should, changing the batteries is the first fix you should try. If this doesn’t remedy the problem, you may need to call for AC repairs to get to the bottom of the issue.
Inspecting the Unit
You can give your air conditioner a cursory inspection about once a month to make sure there are no clear warning signs of trouble. Look for ice or water around the unit. Make sure there are no unusual sounds or smells coming from your air conditioner, either. If you notice any of these things, schedule an AC repair as soon as possible.
For a more thorough inspection, you should turn to a trained professional. Our technicians are equipped to carefully inspect all aspects of your cooling system. As part of every maintenance visit, we check the refrigerant charge, test the controls, inspect relays and contactors, make sure the capacitor’s are working, and more.
Tuning Up Your Air Conditioner
A thorough air conditioner tune-up is something best left to one of our trained service technicians. We take care of all the essential adjustments that keep your cooling system running at peak efficiency. This includes tasks such as:
- Checking the thermostat
- Adjusting belts and pulleys
- Lubricating motors and bearings
- Tightening electrical connections
- Cleaning contactors and relays
- Checking the refrigerant charge
You should schedule AC maintenance once a year. If you haven’t done so in the last 12 months, make your appointment as soon as possible. Contact Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning at 888-831-2665.
