As the sun cranks up the heat, there’s a silent hero at your home – your air conditioning unit. It’s that trusty companion that keeps you cool when the world outside feels like an oven. But just like your car needs an oil change, your AC unit also needs a little love to keep performing its best.
To give you an idea, here are five ways to keep your air conditioner humming along smoothly and keeping you comfortable all summer long.
Keep It Clean
Imagine you haven’t taken a shower in months – not a pretty picture, right? Well, your AC unit doesn’t like being dirty either. Dust, dirt, and all sorts of gunk can pile up on its insides, making it struggle to cool your home effectively.
What can you do? Start by turning off the power to your unit (safety first!). Then, give it a gentle cleaning with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. Clear away the dust and debris from the outside, the coils, and the vents. If your AC doesn’t get the cleaning it needs, it may need to work overtime and get damaged. Then, you might have to spend money on an air conditioning unit motor St Louis MO to get your cooling back.
Change the Filters
Remember to breathe? Your AC unit needs to breathe too! Filters are like your AC’s lungs, and when they get clogged with dust and dirt, it’s like trying to run a marathon with a plastic bag over your face – not fun, right?
So, take a moment to check your filters every month. If they look like they’ve been through a dust storm, swap them out. Experts suggest doing this every three months at least, but checking more often won’t hurt. It’s a tiny task that makes a huge difference in your unit’s efficiency and your wallet’s health.
Check The Parts
Now, don’t let the term ‘compressor’ scare you off; we’re just talking about the heart of your AC system. If this part decides to throw in the towel, it can bring the whole show to a halt.
Take a peek at your unit every now and then and keep an eye out for any signs of trouble with dresser rand compressor parts to avoid problems later on. These are components like capacitors, contactors, and the fan motor. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to call in a pro.
Clear the Surroundings
Your outdoor AC unit needs some breathing room – imagine trying to sleep with a pillow over your face! So, make sure there’s nothing crowding around it. Check for bushes, overgrown plants, or debris that might be blocking the airflow. Give your AC at least two feet of space to breathe easy.
Why? Well, when it can take in fresh air, it can work better and keep your home cooler. Plus, it’ll have a longer lifespan, and you’ll avoid the hassle of repairs down the road. A little space goes a long way.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Don’t wait until your AC decides to throw a tantrum on a sweltering summer day. Just like your car needs an oil change, your AC unit needs some love too. Call in a professional HVAC technician once a year for a check-up. They’ll give your AC a thorough inspection, clean out the dust bunnies, oil up the moving parts, check for leaks, and make sure everything’s running as smooth as a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. This yearly TLC can save you from costly repairs and keep your AC going strong.
