Air conditioners are one of the most convenient appliances in any closed space, whether it’s a house or a factory. The ACs we take for granted can easily start malfunctioning if not maintained properly. Just like anything, ACs have an expected lifespan, but this lifespan usually includes routine maintenance like the changing of cooling fluids. Extreme weather conditions can also affect the durability of your AC, not to mention other factors like humidity and smoke. The placement of the AC in your house can play a factor as well.
As you can see, there are a lot of variables at play when it comes to taking care of your AC, so to help you out, we’ve gathered the best 4 AC maintenance tips from the experts.
Replace and Clean the Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most vital components of any AC. Its mission is to clean the air circulating through the unit from contaminants that can affect the quality of air or damage the internals of the AC. Keeping the air filter clean can be done in two ways; replacing or cleaning. While cleaning can work well for some time, you’re bound to need a replacement after a certain time. Some types of AC use non-reusable air filters, which means you’ll have to replace them every time you clean the AC.
The frequency of changing or cleaning the air filter varies according to the climate and region you’re in. Naturally, the air of urban areas is more polluted and contaminated than that of the countryside or semi-urban areas. For example, states in the U.S. may need more frequent maintenance than cities in Sweden. Hiring a professional for routine AC service and repairs in Sonora is quite common because of the high humidity and CO2 levels. The denser the location is, the more frequently you will need to change or clean the air filter. The airflow of the AC is highly affected by the cleanliness of the air filter, and clogged filters will make your AC work harder to reach and maintain temperature.
Check the Wiring
You don’t have to wait for a major problem to come up to check on the internal wires of the AC. A simple faulty wire or fuse in the circuit board can cause major problems in the operation of your AC, ranging from electricity consumption to combustion. Before you remove the AC’s panel, make sure you disconnect the power source to your AC. A quick look at the panel can show you if there are any degrading insulators or burned wires. Make sure the contractor switch isn’t dented or distorted. It’s important to locate and replace any loose wiring routinely because it can easily affect your AC.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is the main component that regulates the mode of operation of the AC. It reads the internal and external temperatures. You need to know whether your thermostat is keeping the home at the right temperature. Older mechanical thermostats are prone to malfunction, giving you wrong readings, or causing the AC to work improperly. It’s recommended to replace mechanical thermostats with digital ones that can be programmed, which will also help you save money because the AC will be more efficient.
Programmable thermostats can record the temperature and operation time per user input. This will allow you to turn the AC down at the time of your choosing, such as when leaving for work or sleeping. You can even set it to start cooling your home 30-45 minutes before your arrival. Some digital thermostats are smart, which means you can control them with your smartphone through an app. It’s worth investing in the convenience and efficiency of a digital thermostat.
Clean the Condenser
The condensing unit of the AC is not visible because it’s usually placed outside the house. This makes it vulnerable to external factors that could limit its performance and reduce its life expectancy. The condensing unit has a fan with smooth fins. It’s easy for dirt and debris to cause the fan to degrade or stop working completely. This is why the condenser shouldn’t be placed behind anything that can block its air pathway. It needs a constant supply of fresh air to draw into your home to cool it properly.
We take our ACs for granted as long as they’re working fine, but once we start seeing their performance degrade, we begin to panic. Try your best not to leave the maintenance and repair of your AC till the last minute. Instead, focus on keeping it at a tip-top shape to ensure it stays efficient for as long as possible.
