How Do I Take Care of My Air Conditioner in the Summer?

Life during the hot months might be intolerable without a reliable air conditioner. 

Your air conditioner is a modern convenience that provides welcome relief from the heat. However, with proper maintenance, an air conditioner will only gain efficiency over time. 

Some of these concerns are inevitable due to the passage of time, while others, such as those caused by the accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime, can be avoided with regular upkeep. 

The central air system or window air conditioner will work harder and use more energy to create the comfortable climate you want if you don't regularly clean critical parts of either. 

Summer maintenance is necessary if you want your air conditioner to keep you comfortable when the temperature rises. This article will discuss the significance of performing AC maintenance throughout the summer months and offer helpful advice.

The Importance Of Maintenance During The Summer And Why It's Necessary

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool in summer. Regular maintenance is not optional.

Cost Savings On Utilities

HVAC systems must be maintained per the manufacturer's instructions. Regular maintenance and servicing of your system will ensure its continued efficiency and the lowest possible electricity costs. Utility costs will rise when a malfunction forces your system to work harder. The cost of air conditioning in the desert heat of Las Vegas is already high.

Preserve Your Indoor Climate For The Long Term

Home comfort systems that are properly maintained typically outlast their poorly cared-for counterparts by many years. Remember that every summer, during its lifetime, your HVAC system worked nonstop for a good two or three months. Your body has been actively regulating your temperature. A properly maintained system that is checked and serviced every other year will last much longer. Since you've already decided to purchase a Home Comfort System, wouldn't you like to get your money's worth out of it?

Avoid Sudden Failures And Expensive Repairs

If you keep up with routine inspections, you can prevent major breakdowns from occuring at inconvenient periods. Regular inspection and servicing help identify potential problems before they cause costly downtime. Not only would you be uncomfortable during the summer, but depending on the problem, repairs could be very pricey. Maintaining routine maintenance helps ensure your safety and comfort while freeing up cash that may be put towards a vacation instead of repairs.

Maintain The Viability Of Your Warranty.

There is a guarantee from the manufacturer for your home comfort system. However, similar to keeping the warranty on your automobile current, keeping the warranty on your HVAC system requires frequent maintenance. You may be responsible for paying for the entire repair if your warranty has expired due to lack of maintenance, and you must pay for the parts yourself.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Changing the filters and having the coil cleaned can make your system run better and help you keep your home's air quality consistent. These days, even in the summer, the average person does not spend more than 10% of their time outdoors. 

Make your house a haven by maintaining pristine air quality. Dirt, mould, and bacteria can grow in a poorly maintained property Comfort System, which the occupants could breathe in.

Preparing Your Air Conditioner for the Summer: Some Tips and Tricks

In addition to performing routine preventative maintenance, there are a few things you can do to create a comfortable environment for your air conditioner, allowing it to operate more efficiently.

Getting Rid Of Clutter

If your air conditioner is outside, remove any obstacles that could reduce airflow. Clear the area around the unit of anything that could cause damage, such as leaves and branches, and remove anything too close to the unit, such as last year's grill that you couldn't find a place to store or your kids' toys from the previous year.

Even window air conditioners aren't exempt. You should remove anything that might get in the way of airflow around or into the device. Be sure nothing is pressing on the rear of the unit since this could cause it to overheat and break.

Modify Your Filters

This point can't be emphasised enough. Replace your air conditioner's filter(s) with fresh ones before the warm weather arrives. This will give you a fresh start, and you may establish a regular maintenance regimen. Filters should be cleaned once a week and replaced every 60 to 90 days (stay to the lower end if you have dogs), but this can vary depending on how often you use your machine.

Many issues could be avoided altogether if people remember to clean their air conditioners' filters regularly. Maintaining clean filters in your air conditioner can save you from the hassle and cost of a repair.

Determine Your Preferred Temperature And Maintain It

If you find a certain temperature inside comfortable, don't change it. Making your air conditioner work harder than it needs to by repeatedly tweaking the thermostat is inefficient.

Don't make everyone miserable by dropping the temperature by 30 degrees overnight because it's hot outdoors. Your AC unit will be overworked if you do this. By selecting a comfortable temperature, you can rest assured that your air conditioner won't have to make any erratic adjustments to maintain that setting.

Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioner this Summer

Use this money- and energy-saving tricks with your air conditioner.

Plan Your Yearly Maintenance Check For The Spring.

An annual tune-up is a must before the warm weather sets in. Tune-up services for your HVAC system are available from most service providers. As part of a tune-up, loose wires will be cinched down, the fans will be greased, and the system will be thoroughly cleaned. The expert will inspect the system for leaks in the refrigerant and other major problems that might develop over years of use and will then repair the unit to operate again at peak efficiency. Air conditioners may be tuned up to be more energy efficient and help prevent severe breakdowns like cars can.

Air Filter Replacement

The air conditioner runs on a cycle, constantly circulating air around the house. After distributing the cooled air to the living quarters, the system gathers the previously circulated air and recycles it. Air filters remove potentially damaging particles and airborne contaminants from the air before it is recirculated back to the air handler near the furnace. Dirt and dust clog the air filter, making the system work harder to get air to the handler. Changing the air filter on your air conditioner regularly will help it run more efficiently and last longer. Choose an air filter that is appropriate for your home.

Maintaining Clean Return Air Vents

Cleaning the return air ducts is just as important as cleaning the filter. Blocking airflow with lint, dust, and debris inside the duct covers reduces the efficiency of your system and shortens its lifespan. Ensure your HVAC system gets enough air by vacuuming the ductwork every time you clean the room.

Make Sure Your Air Conditioner's Pipes Are Well Insulated

Damaged insulation reduces air conditioner efficiency. Each summer, check the insulation on the coolant pipes and replace it if necessary so that the air conditioner may function properly throughout the year. The old insulation can be readily removed, and the homeowners can install new materials.

Consider Ductwork

Even in brand-new structures, dust and debris from the building process can enter the ducting. If pests like rats have been in your home, the ducts may be coated with their droppings and nesting materials. The indoor air quality is lowered when the air conditioner is turned on due to the introduction of small particles. They float back into your AC's return vents, where they begin to obstruct airflow. If you want cleaner air inside and more efficient heating and cooling, get the ducts cleaned professionally.

Ducts are notorious for being unclean and often inefficient. Energy efficiency is severely impacted when treated air leaks out of the ducts and into unoccupied spaces due to loose joints or faulty ductwork. Aluminium foil tape works well for easily accessible leaks, but if the problem is further down in the ducting, you may need to seal it professionally. Insulating your ducts that are easily accessible will improve ducting performance.

Make Sure Your Wiring Is In Good Shape

You can also increase your air conditioner's effectiveness by inspecting the condensing unit's wiring for signs of overheating or deterioration. Wait to start until you have turned off the air conditioner. Wires that are burned, frayed, or otherwise damaged should be checked out by an expert.

Compressor Exterior Cleaning

The performance of your central air system can be greatly improved by regularly cleaning the compressor and condenser coils. You can avoid opening the system by hiring experts to do this service as part of a tune-up. However, when the coils are unclean, they lose some ability to absorb heat. Garden hoses can clean the evaporator and condenser coils, but you should keep the electrical connections intact. Fins are readily bent and should be inspected for damage when cleaning coils. Crooked fins can be straightened with a fin comb. Dispose of winter grass, weeds, and leaves around your air conditioner and prevent gardening within two feet. Any obstruction to airflow around the exterior compressor will reduce the system's efficiency, so keep your belongings out of that area.

Give Your System A Break

Continuous usage will eventually cause a system to lose efficiency and require replacement, even with regular upkeep. If you use your air conditioner sparingly, you can reduce your monthly energy costs. 

Here are some things you can do to make your house more pleasant without overusing your air conditioner:

Modify The Temperature Setting

The phrase "adjusting the thermostat" conjures images of aggressively tapping the control panel's down arrow on scorching summer days. This is the most effective technique to maximise your energy bill, unfortunately. 

During the summer, you should keep your home's thermostat set at a comfortable temperature and raise it by one degree. According to research, you may cut your heating and cooling costs by 7 and 15 per cent for every degree above 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spend Time Outdoors

What you're thinking is correct: "We're trying to stay cool!" If not for socialising and doing activities we can't do when it's chilly outside, it's hard to think of a good reason to celebrate summer. Live for today! If you leave the house when it's hot, you save the cost and effort of cooling it down. You can save money on energy by avoiding utilising appliances that require electricity, such as the lights, the air conditioner, and the stove or water heater. Time is of the essence.

Unplug Devices

Disconnecting electronics or using smart power strips can reduce your electric cost by reducing "phantom" or "standby" electricity from electronics, chargers, and regular power strips when you're away.

Turn Off The Air Conditioner And Use Fans Instead

Although we've discussed improving your air conditioner's efficiency, you may need to learn that fans consume approximately one-sixtieth as much power. Ceiling fans can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40 per cent by reducing the demand for air conditioners. While fans don't cool the air, they help remove excess heat from the body and, when combined with air conditioning, can allow a higher temperature setting.

Conclusion

Preserving the health of your air conditioner throughout the warm summer months is crucial to its performance and durability. Utility expenses can be reduced, the indoor climate can be preserved for the long term, unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided, the guarantee can be kept valid, and indoor air quality can be improved with regular maintenance.

If you want to keep your HVAC running efficiently and pay the least amount for power, you need to keep up with routine maintenance as directed by the manufacturer. By performing routine checks, you can find problems before they result in expensive downtime, which means less discomfort in the summer and more money for summer getaways. When a warranty expires because of a lack of maintenance, the owner is responsible for covering the cost of any necessary repairs.

If you want your air conditioner to function at its best, you should clear the area around it of anything that could hinder the passage of air, such as leaves or branches. Before the warm weather hits, make sure to clean your filters once a week and replace them entirely. Repair costs and hassles can be avoided by keeping filters clean.

Find the indoor temperature that's most comfortable for you and don't tinker with it too much. Choose a comfortable temperature to avoid unnecessary alterations to the air conditioner's settings. Keeping your air conditioner in good working order through the summer will make your home more comfortable and save you money.

Before the warm weather arrives each year, it's important to get your HVAC system checked for maintenance. Most service providers offer maintenance plans that include inspections for leaks and other severe problems that can arise after prolonged use. Like automobiles, air conditioners may be fine-tuned to improve fuel economy and delay costly breakdowns. Dirt and dust accumulate on the air filter, making it more difficult for the handler to receive clean air.

It is also crucial to keep the return air vents clean, as obstruction with lint, dust, and debris inside the duct covers lowers the efficiency and shortens the lifespan of the system. If you want your air conditioner to function at peak efficiency, check the insulation on its pipes. Dust and debris from the construction process, rodents, and malfunctioning ductwork may all harm ductwork, even in brand-new buildings. Duct performance can be enhanced by insulating conveniently accessible ducts.

The wiring in the condensing unit should be checked for overheating and degradation. A central air conditioner's efficiency can be considerably increased by keeping the compressor and condenser coils clean. Winter grass, weeds, and leaves should be removed from surrounding the air conditioner, and gardening should be avoided within two feet.

Take a break once in a while to save money on your monthly energy bill. Adjust the temperature, spend more time outside, disconnect electronics, and utilise fans rather than the air conditioner to save energy this summer. By taking these steps, you can cut back on energy use and your monthly energy costs.

Content Summary

• Having dependable air conditioning is essential during the hot summer months.
• Regular servicing improves the effectiveness of your air conditioner.
• Routine upkeep can forestall problems brought on by a buildup of dirt and grime.
• When AC systems aren't maintained, they have to work harder, resulting in higher energy use.
• Maintenance on your air conditioner is a must, especially during the summer.
• Effective system upkeep can significantly reduce monthly utility costs.
• Maintaining your HVAC system will help it last longer.
• Preventative maintenance can save you money on repairs.
• Preserve your warranty by keeping up with routine maintenance.
• Filter replacements and coil cleanings both contribute to better indoor air quality.
• Get rid of anything restricting the outdoor unit's air intake.
• Prevent damage to outdoor appliances by keeping the space around them clean.
• Keep a clear path for airflow to air conditioners in windows.
• Maintain your AC by changing out and cleaning the filters frequently.
• Keep the house at a constant temperature to ease the load on the air conditioner.
• Plan your annual tune-up for the spring.
• Air filters should be changed on a regular basis to maximise efficiency.
• Improve airflow by cleaning the return vents.
• Pipes carrying coolant must be insulated for optimal performance.
• If you want cleaner air in your home, consider having the ducts cleaned by a professional.
• Reduce energy waste by sealing air leaks in ductwork.
• Check for damage or overheating in the wiring.
• Keep the condenser and compressor clean for optimal efficiency.
• Clear any clutter away from the outside compressor.
• You may increase the life of your AC by limiting its continuous use.
• Turn the temperature down by one degree to help save on utility costs.
• Spend time outside to lessen the load on the air conditioner.
• To save power, unplug electronics or use energy-efficient power strips.
• To maximise the cooling impact of the air conditioner, use fans.
• A 40% reduction in AC energy usage is possible when ceiling fans are used.
• Clean and well-maintained air conditioners use less power.
• Keep the outdoor unit's fins aligned for optimal performance.
• Keep the space around the outdoor unit clear at all times.
• The indoor air quality is improved by cleaning the return air vents.
• Changing the filter on your air conditioner frequently will keep the air clean and efficient.
• Inspect the pipe insulation that holds the coolant and replace it if it has been damaged.
• Having your ducts professionally cleaned might boost your AC's performance.
• Stop energy from escaping through cracks in the ducts.
• Make that the wiring is safe and functioning properly.
• Keep the condenser and compressor clean for optimum efficiency.