We wanted to share some valuable air conditioning maintenance tips to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. These tips will prevent issues in the long run and shouldn’t take long, so make some time to do these easy DIYs before you head out on your summer vacation:
- Clean the Air Filter – Probably the most important item to regularly change (clean if the reusable type) is the AC’s air filter. The air filter can get dirty and clogged causing bad bacteria buildup and can harbor other pollutants like dust mite debris. Plus, a clogged filter makes your AC work harder than it needs and harms the system’s longevity.
- Seal any Air Leaks – Leaks and cracks in and around doors and windows can be sealed tightly so your precious cool air isn’t escaping, which means money wasted. Check for air leaks in crawl spaces and attics as well.
- Clean the Outdoor Unit – Keeping your outdoor AC unit clean is an essential part of regular maintenance.
- Don’t Close Your Vents – Closing vents in unused rooms DOES NOT save money and energy – Actually, it’s the opposite! Closing them causes pressure to build in your ducts, affects the air distribution and makes your unit work harder, which, you guessed it, costs more money.
- Clean the Ductwork – If your palace seems to collect a lot of dust and sounds like it’s working harder than it should, then check your ducts. Dirty ducts spew out dirty dusty air filled with particles and debris and when clogged, forces your system to work harder – that’s what your spidey-senses are picking up.
- Duct Boosters – Warmer spaces, depending on where they are located, need a little help sometimes. An in-line duct booster sits inside the duct of the room you’re wanting to be a bit cooler (it will automatically turn on when your system starts to run) while the vent/register booster sits right on top of, or can actually replace floor, wall, and ceiling registers. This type of booster can be operated with a remote control, a switch or manually.
- Get Your Smart Thermostat Checked – A properly set thermostat helps with overall efficiency keeping your utility bill manageable. These convenient devices let you set your favorite temperatures for different times during the day/night, allowing you to control the comfort of your home when you need it most!
- Keep the Fins Straight – If the fins on your unit are crushed or bent, use a kitchen butter knife to gently slide between each fin and bed them back into proper position. Gentle pressure will work and be sure not to insert the butter knife more than a ½ in (you can also use a Fin comb).
- Vacuum the Fins of Your Outdoor Unit – Use the soft-bristled extension to your vacuum. Gently go up and down over the fins as they are delicate and can bend easily. You may have to unscrew and remove the metal cage in order to clean them better.
- Sinking Concrete Pad – If the pad supporting your outdoor unit is slowly sinking into the ground, get a professional to repair it. Check that there isn’t strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines; if the unit is dry and lever, then a little bit of sinking is fine, but if the lines are pulling tight or water is beginning to pool around the unit, a professional repair is a must.
Here at Hammond Services, we like to get our hands dirty giving you convenience and comfort!
