Every year, $14 billion is spent on HVAC repair and replacement.
If you want to avoid costly repairs on your air conditioner, you need to create an AC maintenance checklist and stick to it. Giving your AC unit the attention it needs will keep you safe and comfortable in your home, no matter how hot it gets outside.
What most homeowners don’t realize is that their air conditioners aren’t just keeping them cool, they’re also protecting their indoor air quality. Keep reading and you’ll understand what goes into HVAC care and proper home maintenance.
Change AC Filters
Your AC filters are an inexpensive, but incredibly important part of your HVAC system. Basically, they’re the thing that filters out harmful bacteria and allergens from your air, thus preserving your indoor air quality. Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, so good indoor air quality is a must.
Over time, the filter will become clogged with debris, so you need to change it regularly. Failing to do so will cause the contaminants to enter your home. It’ll also cause your AC unit to work harder to cool your house, which will put unnecessary wear and tear on it and hurt your AC efficiency.
Test Thermostat
Your thermostat is your way of communicating with your HVAC system. It’s also a great way to make sure everything’s working as it should.
To test your thermostat, set it to a cool temperature and wait for your air conditioner to kick in. Within a few minutes, you should hear the unit working and feel the cool air coming through your vents. If you don’t, you know something’s wrong and it needs professional care.
Use Your Senses
One simple but overlooked thing that you should have on your cooling system checklist is to use your senses. If you see, smell, hear, or feel anything out of the ordinary with your AC unit, it’s worth investigating further.
For example, you may see ice buildup on your condenser coils – this signals a potential refrigerant leak. If you hear rattling or grinding when the AC turns on, it could be a mechanical problem. Whatever you notice, you should always contact a professional, like the good people at https://mccoyandsonhvac.com.
Clean Components
The last important piece of HVAC maintenance on your checklist should be a routine cleaning of the indoor and outdoor components. In particular, you want to make sure the outdoor part of your AC unit is clear of debris. Often, sticks and leaves will accumulate around it, affecting its performance.
Indoors, take a look at your condenser pan and coils. Inspect your ducts and clear out any debris that’s accumulated. If there’s a lot, take a look at your AC filter because it may need to be replaced.
Check Your AC Maintenance Checklist Often
An AC maintenance checklist is an important thing to have around. Go through these items once every few months – especially during the summer – and you’ll make sure your AC unit functions properly. If you notice anything wrong, don’t hesitate to seek professional care.
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