Keeping AC Units in Peak Condition During the Summer
Whew, summer is officially here and it’s a scorcher! As much as we all love soaking up those rays, there’s nothing better than walking into a nice, cool, air-conditioned home to escape the heat. But what if your AC just isn’t cutting it this year?
Don’t sweat it I’ve got your back with some easy tips to keep your air conditioning unit in peak condition all summer long.
Regular Filter Checks and Replacements
First up, let’s talk filters. Your AC filter is like the lungs of your system – if it’s all gunked up with dust and dirt, your unit is suffocating.
Do yourself a favor and check those filters every month. If they’re looking nasty, swap them out for fresh ones. It’s such a simple thing, but it’ll help your AC breathe easily and work more efficiently. Set a monthly reminder on your phone so you never forget!
Clean the Coils
Next, give your coils some love. These are like the heart of your AC, pumping out that refreshing cooled air. Over time though, gunk can build up on the coils and clog things up. Once a year, take a vacuum or soft brush and gently clean off any dirt or debris to help them run smoothly.
Check the Thermostat Settings
While we’re on the topic of easy maintenance, let’s talk about that thermostat. It’s like the brain calling the shots for your whole system. Double-check that bad boy is set to “cool” and the fan is on “auto” to maintain that perfect, steady temp.
Oh, and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already – it’ll automatically adjust based on your schedule so you’re not wasting energy cooling an empty house.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
For the outdoor unit, a little yard work can go a long way. Scoop up any leaves, grass clippings, or other gunk that might be crowding that baby. It needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to breathe. While you’re at it, trim back any overgrown bushes or plants – you don’t want them acting as bridges for sneaky critters to crawl inside.
Inspect the Ductwork
Another easy check is your ductwork. If you’ve got any leaks or gaps, you’re basically AC-ing the whole neighborhood instead of your house. Do a scan and seal up any holes with duct tape or a professional sealant. Dealing with ducts seems daunting, but trust me, it’s worth making sure your AC system is running in peak condition.
Keep an Eye on the Refrigerant Levels
Now for the stuff you might want to leave to the pros: checking refrigerant levels, tuning everything up, and potentially upgrading to a new system if yours is just too old and inefficient. Low refrigerant is a common issue that can mess with your AC’s cooling power. Getting an annual professional checkup is key to catching little problems before they become big, expensive headaches.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
While we’re on the topic of pros, if your unit is over 10 years old, it might be time to start looking at replacements. Newer models are so much more energy efficient, which = more $$ savings for you in the long run. Just look for ones with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and you’re golden.
Use Ceiling Fans
Bonus tip use those ceiling fans to your advantage! Run them counterclockwise to push that cool air down from the AC and better circulate it. Keep those curtains and blinds closed up during the hottest parts of the day to minimize the sun’s heating effects.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed
Sunlight streaming through windows can heat your home quickly. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to keep your home cooler and reduce the load on your AC. Consider using blackout curtains for even better temperature control.
Upgrade to a More Efficient Unit
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer models are more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for the best efficiency.
Conclusion
I know keeping the AC running in peak condition feels like a constant battle in the summer. But with a little preventative maintenance and some savvy tricks, you can make sure your home stays an oasis of cool comfort all season long. Don’t get heated, get your AC properly treated!
