Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
When practiced consistently, AC maintenance is extremely beneficial. A simple inspection and tune-up once a year is all it takes to prolong the lifespan of your unit and lower total utility costs.
Replace Broken Fan Belts
A cracked, snagged, or broken fan belt can lead to poor system performance. If your unit isn’t cooling like it is supposed to, we suggest shutting off power to the unit and inspecting your fan belt for signs of damage. Our HVAC technicians can replace the belt if needed.
Trim Back Outdoor Vegetation
Leaves, grasses, and other organic matter can accumulate in and around your outdoor AC unit, preventing proper air circulation. We recommend keeping shrubbery and foliage trimmed back two feet from the unit.
Replace Air Filters
Air filters capture allergens, contaminants, mold spores, and dust, before they can wreak havoc on your air conditioning system. However, these filters can become clogged over time. This can cause system strain and increased energy consumption.
Our technicians can evaluate your home and current AC model to determine how often you should clean or change your air filters. We generally recommend changing air filters every one to three months.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricant is needed in older AC systems to keep the fan and compressor functioning smoothly.
Inspect Electrical Wiring
Poor or faulty electrical wiring can pose a serious fire hazard. If you smell a burning odor, or notice melted, blackened, or frayed wires, contact one of our AC experts immediately for repairs.
Signs Your AC Needs Maintenance
Failure To Blow Cool Air
An air conditioner that doesn’t adequately circulate cold air can be frustrating to deal with. This airflow blockage may be the result of a dirty air filter or evaporator coil. Cleaning away any dust or dirt from the coils and replacing the air filter may remedy this problem.
Strange Odors
A musty smell emanating from your air conditioner can hint at possible mold growth.
Increase In Utility Bills
Faulty components can reduce the quality and efficiency of your air conditioner. This increased strain leads to a subsequent increase in overall energy consumption. Unfortunately, this also means a drastic uptick in the cost of your next electric bill.