Would we expect top performance from a car that hadn't had a tune up in over a year? Would we expect a piano to play every note on key without a tune up? So why do we expect this from our air conditioning and heating systems? Regular air conditioner maintenance is akin to a tune up and should be a crucial part of every homeowner's spring cleaning routine.
As you turn off the furnace and throw open the windows to welcome the coming warmth, you need to begin thinking about air conditioning maintenance. Don't wait until it is too late! The first hot day of the year is the worst time to discover that there is something wrong with your system. In addition, most large repairs could be avoided with proper air conditioner maintenance.
AIR CONDITIONERS
But what is air conditioner maintenance? What can you do on your own and what is best to leave to the professionals? Here are 5 tasks to add to your to do list or ask the professionals to assist you with:
1. Check Your System Twice a Year - As soon as you turn off your heat, it's time to start thinking about air conditioner maintenance. And as soon as you turn off the air conditioner, it's time to look at the heating. Don't wait until the last minute! If you do discover a problem that needs professional assistance, you want to have it dealt with before the hot weather strikes so that you aren't left on a waiting list with the other procrastinators.
2. Don't Use Your Condensing Unit as a Storage Shelf - The outdoor part of your air conditioner works by drawing air into the system. This requires it to have plenty of space on top and around it. When you check your system, clear away any leaves or other debris that has gotten caught in and around the unit and resist the urge to store lawn furniture and other objects on top of it to prevent damage and keep it clear when you do need to turn it on.
3. Change or Clean Your Filters - A dirty filter will restrict air flow to the unit. This can cause serious damage to the system and will make it inefficient to run. Make sure to replace or clean your filters regularly. How often is regularly? That depends on the type of filter and how often you run the system. Ask your air conditioner maintenance professional for a recommendation.
4. Check the Thermostat - A thermostat will have a heating setting and a cooling setting. Make sure that it is properly set for the time of year. In addition, a professional can let you know if it is keeping the temperature as it should.
5. Turn It on Before You Need It - Turn on the air before you hit a heat wave to check that it's working properly. If it doesn't seem to be producing cool air, the system could have a problem like being low on Freon. Low Freon levels are a sign there is a leak in the system. A professional can assist you in finding the leak and sealing it so that new Freon can be added to the system. Remember that an air conditioner is not meant to burn through Freon. If your air conditioner lacks Freon, this is a sign of a problem not the root of a problem.
Whether you attempt to do it yourself or hire a professional to take care of the entire project, make sure that air conditioner maintenance is marked down on the top of your pre-summer to do list.
Spring Time Air Conditioner Maintenance AIR CONDITIONERS
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