Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner
In between your air conditioning tune-ups and repairs performed by an HVAC contractor, Bellmore homeowners should attend to their cooling systems regularly to prevent damage and extend the life of their AC units. Air conditioning maintenance will allow your air conditioner to run more efficiently and will help you reduce the cost of your energy bill.
Use Fans for a Cool Breeze
In the sweltering heat, blasting the AC is tempting, but it's not very energy or cost efficient. If all you need is a nice breeze, a fan will will complement the efforts of your air conditioner so that you can give your AC a break every once and a while.
Clean and Replace the Air Filter
One of the most important air conditioning maintenance tasks is cleaning your air filter. Dirt, dust, and allergens will clog the filter, limiting the airflow and stressing the cooling system. During heavy use, the air filter should be cleaned approximately once every one or two months. The amount of air conditioning usage, pet fur, and dust will determine how often homeowners should change their air filters. Replacing an extremely dirty air filter could reduce a household's energy consumption by up to 15%.
Check the Thermostat
Consider replacing a mechanical thermostat with a programmable model because a programmable thermostat allows you to increase the temperature when no one is home and then cool down the home before residents return for the evening.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
Like the other AC components, the evaporator coil becomes dirty after prolonged use. Cleaning the air filter can help reduce the amount of dirt accumulation on the coil. Clean the evaporator coil at least once a year.
Hire an HVAC Contractor
Despite regular maintenance, an occasional AC checkup from your HVAC contractor is recommended. Your HVAC contractor will perform a variety of tasks to make sure your AC is in good working order. The tasks include testing for refrigerant leaks, checking for duct leakage, measuring airflow through the evaporator coil, checking the accuracy of the thermostat, and oiling the motors.
To ensure the proper function of your air conditioning unit, regular maintenance is essential. If you spot a problem with your air conditioner while checking its components, schedule an appointment with Lyons Air Conditioning & Heating, a trusted Bellmore HVAC contractor.