Having a centralized air conditioning system for your home can help to ensure that you and your family stay comfortable throughout the hot summer months. However, just like any other system in your home, it requires regular AC maintenance. We’re going to share with you some of our best maintenance tips to help make the process of upkeep easier for you.
Change Your Filter Often
One of the best tips that we can give you to ensure optimal efficiency from your centralized air conditioning system is to regularly change out your air filters. Your air filter is responsible for trapping unwanted airborne particles like dust and debris. As the filter traps particles, it will begin to fill up and eventually lose effectiveness. You should check your filter at least once a month to see if it needs to be replaced. Most homeowners will find that they’ll need to replace their HVAC filter every two to three months.
Keep Your Outside Unit Clean
A necessary part of your air conditioning system sits outside of your home. This condenser unit needs to be clean at all times to ensure adequate airflow for your system. Any sort of debris, like leaves or twigs that get pushed up against the outside of the unit, can potentially hinder its ability to receive adequate airflow. This can cause your air conditioning system to overwork and not produce enough cold air for your home. Do yourself a favor and make sure that you are assessing the state of your outdoor unit every couple of weeks. Remove any debris, and trim back any trees or shrubs that are getting too close to your unit.
Use a Smart Thermostat
You never just want to turn your air conditioning system on and let it blast at full speed all day long. This is damaging to the components inside of your AC and will cause premature wear. Instead, you should be using a smart or programmable thermostat that controls the runtime of your cooling system. The best part is that you can utilize a smart thermostat to help maximize your energy savings by turning the temperature settings up when you’re away from your home.
Get Your System Serviced Annually
One of the best things that you can do for your centralized air conditioning system is to have a professional come in and perform maintenance on it at least once a year. This service appointment should be scheduled for the spring months before you need to be relying on your AC on a consistent basis. When they come, they’ll not only assess the state of your system and do any necessary repairs, but they’ll also do a deep clean of its components. This will ensure that all of your coils and other internal components are working at their peak efficiency.
Keep an Eye on Your Inside Vents
A necessary part of your centralized air conditioning system is the vents that are placed in each room throughout your home. Check them at least once a month to ensure that they’re fully open. It’s not uncommon to accidentally place furniture or other items in front of a vent that can restrict its airflow. You want to ensure that all of your vents have adequate airflow by making sure that there are no objects within a three-foot radius of each vent.
Flush Your Drain Line
As your air conditioning system works to cool the air, it will pull out excess humidity. This will turn into water and drop down into the drain pan. Eventually, the water will exit your home through your drain line. Over time, it’s not uncommon for your drain line to experience a buildup of algae or mold due to the excess moisture going through it. Ask your AC professional about the best ways to flush this drain line.
Professional AC Maintenance
Zark Heating & Cooling provides professional AC maintenance for New Lenox, IL and the surrounding areas. We can also assist with all of our other air conditioning services such as AC installation and repair. Additionally, our team offers indoor air quality solutions, radiant heat options, and smart thermostats. Maintenance plans and financing options are also available as a convenience for our customers. Simply contact Zark Heating & Cooling today to schedule your next service appointment.
