Investing in professional maintenance for your air conditioner is fantastic, but even better is taking care of the system yourself as a homeowner every single month. The time you spend taking care of your air conditioner has the most potential to maintain efficiency and extend its lifespan.
What simple maintenance steps help avoid costly HVAC repairs?
- Change your AC filter every month to maintain airflow, reduce strain, and help lower energy use.
- Flush the condensate drain line monthly with vinegar to prevent mold, mildew, and clogs.
Clean the outdoor unit’s coils gently each month, removing debris without bending the fins—straighten any that are bent to maintain efficiency.
Of course, if you do need AC repair in Hillsboro, Ohio, our team is here to help. In fact, that’s another benefit of AC maintenance. When you keep a close eye on your air conditioner, it’s easier to stay ahead of repair needs. Spotting early warning signs of AC trouble before they escalate can save you from expensive and inconvenient breakdowns. You can keep reading to learn tips for taking care of your air conditioner.
How Often to Replace Your AC Filter and Why
You probably already know that once a month you need to change the air filter in your air conditioner. This air filter doesn’t just catch dust and dirt to improve your indoor air quality. It’s also the only source of airflow into your air conditioner. If your air filter gets too full, it blocks airflow going into your air conditioner. Blocked airflow can trigger AC problems that reduce efficiency and cooling performance.
Without adequate airflow, your air conditioner does not have air to cool and blow into your home. Your air conditioner may start to work harder to bring in more airflow, placing strain on the system. This can increase wear and tear while also increasing your energy bills. You may not think that something as simple as changing your air filter on time each month can have that big of an impact, but it really does. In fact, this is one of the most common AC issues we see during service calls.
Cleaning the AC Drain Line to Avoid Costly Repairs
When you change your air filter, you should also open the closet where the indoor portion of your unit sits. You will see a pipe sticking up with a screw-on cap. Remove this and pour a little vinegar into the opening.
The condensate drain line is where humidity condenses down into water droplets and slows outside of your home. But, it’s the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Unflushed AC drain lines cause damage when clogs go undetected or untreated. When you flush this drain line out with vinegar. Once per month, you help reduce the chances of mold and mildew, growing, even potentially leading to a clog.
Outdoor AC Unit Maintenance Tips
It’s easier to keep an eye on the indoor portion of your air conditioner. However, the outdoor portion of the unit needs attention too. Since it is exposed to the weather and elements daily, you may need to clear debris from the outside unit using gentle water pressure.
You can do this once per month to help eliminate dust and dirt that threaten to clog the evaporator coils. However, you want to be sure not to use pressure that is too strong, otherwise, you can damage the delicate fins on the interior of the unit. If you notice the fins are bent or out of place you can gently separate them again using a butter knife. If left unchecked, this kind of buildup can lead to bigger problems from neglected maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What simple maintenance tasks can I do monthly to avoid expensive AC repairs?
Answer: Replace your AC filter every month to keep airflow strong and efficient. Also, pour a small amount of vinegar into the condensate drain line to prevent mold and clogs. These quick tasks can go a long way in keeping your system running smoothly.
Question: How can I maintain my outdoor AC unit to keep it running efficiently?
Answer: Rinse the outdoor unit with a gentle stream of water to clear away dirt and debris. Avoid using high pressure. If the fins are bent, you can gently straighten them with a butter knife to improve airflow and prevent strain on your system.
Question: What are the key benefits of proactive AC maintenance?
Answer: Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they become expensive problems. It also improves system performance, reduces energy costs, and extends the lifespan of your air conditioner, especially during the demanding summer months.
Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC: You are just one call away from the comfort and savings you deserve! Schedule an appointment today for AC service with our team of expert technicians.