Now that we’ve discussed the basics of central air conditioning, the importance of professional installation, and the major components of the system, we at Five Star Home Services want to provide you with some practical tips.
In this blog, the fourth installment of our five-part blog series serving as “Your Complete Air Conditioning 101 Tutorial,” we will give you some basic maintenance tips.
In today’s modern world, proper maintenance isn’t merely about keeping your home cool; it’s also essential for the safety and longevity of your expensive equipment. We could talk for days about the importance of maintenance in hopes you don’t learn the hard way!
Because you paid good money for your home comfort equipment, it’s wise to make it last as long as possible and perform optimally.
For homeowners in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati, these practical and straightforward maintenance tips will ensure your air conditioning unit operates at peak performance throughout the summer months.
Why Does Preventive Maintenance Matter?
Preventive maintenance is essential to the efficiency and longevity for any HVAC system. Air conditioners are no exception. Because they work tirelessly throughout the summer months, regular upkeep can help you avoid expensive repairs, improve indoor air quality, and maintain energy efficiency. This saves you time and money while giving you peace of mind! The following are some reasons as to why preventive maintenance should be a top priority:
- Minimizing Your Environmental Impact: When your HVAC system is operating like it should, it uses a lot less fuel. This is better for the environment. Additionally, as new technologies become available, we can recommend ways to minimize your environmental impact further.
- Money Savings: Preventive maintenance can reduce the need for emergency repairs, which can save you money in the long run.
- Improved Performance: Additionally, a well-maintained A/C unit runs more efficiently, providing better cooling with the need for less energy.
- Prolonged Equipment Lifespan: Routine maintenance adds years to the life of your system and keeps your warranty active and valid, which is essential!
- Enhanced Safety: Regular AC checkups help identify and fix potential hazards, ensuring your home remains safe throughout the hot and humid months.
- Keeps System Under Warranty: We touched on this before. We will reiterate now: Most system manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance when a warranty claim is filed. You’re covered if you’ve been getting your system serviced at least once a year. Otherwise, they may deny your claim.
- Improving Indoor Air Quality: Air quality is a problem in most homes. HVAC systems are designed to support a healthy, comfortable indoor climate, nevertheless, and having your system serviced regularly enables it to better meet that need.
Our Basic Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
1. Replace A/C Air Filters Regularly
Because one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tips is to replace your A/C’s air filters, we have placed this at the top of our list. Clogged or dirty filters hinder proper airflow. This makes your unit work harder than it should. In the long run, this not only decreases efficiency but can also lead to overheating and system failure. We recommend replacing your air filter every one to three months, depending on usage and air quality conditions. You should at least check it every month.
2. Keeping the A/C’s Condenser Coils Clean
Over a period of time of usage, dirt and debris can accumulate on your A/C’s condenser coils, which can affect its performance. Cleaning the coils at least once a year helps you to prevent this buildup and keep airflow optimal. Homeowners can use a garden hose to gently spray off any dirt. You can also get coil cleaner, which is available at most hardware stores.
3. Check and Clear the Drain Line
AC drain lines remove moisture from the system. However, it can get clogged with algae and mold over time. This is another preventable problem. To keep it clear, we recommend pouring a mixture of water and bleach into the drain line every few months. This helps prevent blockages that could lead to water damage and other issues.
4. Inspect Your Thermostat
Thermostats are the brains of the operation when it comes to any home comfort equipment. Because of this, it is important to ensure your thermostat is working properly and is set to the appropriate temperature. You can also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to optimize cooling efficiency, or even better a smart thermostat which you can control from your phone. This is especially ideal during the hot summer months to save on cooling costs. Get a hold of your friends here at Five Star Home Services for further information and the best deals on thermostat upgrades!
5. The Importance of Professional Maintenance
Never forget, it’s like we say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Sometimes, however, homeowners have to learn this the hard way! Although there’s a lot you can do yourself, many tasks require a professional AC expert like Five Star. Because of this, scheduling regular or annual maintenance visits with one of our qualified HVAC technicians to thoroughly inspect and service your system is essential. This includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and ensuring the overall health of your system.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Leaks, Insulate Ductwork
Here’s another relatively simple task for homeowners: Inspect your ductwork for any possible air leaks or damage. Sealing potential air leaks will improve energy efficiency and ensure that your cool air reaches all the areas it needs to in your home. Additionally, insulating your ductwork prevents energy wasting while improving your AC’s overall performance. Remember, these little things add up. Any loss of cooling is an unnecessary strain!
7. Keep the Area Surrounding Your Unit Clear
There’s a safe distance that should always be maintained around this expensive equipment. Make sure there’s always at least two or three feet of clearance around your outdoor A/C unit. Anything less could become a problem. This means removing any debris, plants, or other obstructions that could impede airflow and hinder your system’s efficiency.
Seasonal Tune-Ups: A Must for Peak Performance
In addition to (or as part of) regular maintenance, seasonal tune-ups are essential for keeping your central cooling system in top condition. We recommend scheduling a professional tune-up in the spring before the hot and muggy summer weather hits. This will ensure your system is ready to handle the summer heat and operate efficiently.
With that said . . . Now what?
Although there are many things you can do on your own, maintenance is always best when left to the professionals. Keeping your centralized cooling system in excellent condition involves a combination of simple DIY tasks and professional maintenance. By following these tips, you can enjoy a cool, safe, and efficient indoor atmosphere throughout the so-called “dog days of summer.” You’ll be glad when you do, too!
Remember, preventive maintenance isn’t merely an investment in your comfort and safety. It’s also an investment in your home comfort equipment!
Stay tuned for the fifth and final installment of our series. In that final blog, we will explore “A/C Troubleshooting Tips” to help you address common issues and keep your system running smoothly.
For homeowners in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati, if you have any questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Your comfort is our priority!
📁 Download our 2024 AC Buying Guide ➡️
You can earn more about our services, or get an instant online estimate. Additionally, you can always reach a friendly live person directly at (833) 405-8009.
