7 Savvy Ways to Maintain Your Home’s AC Unit
Keeping your home’s AC unit in top-notch shape is paramount for proper cooling and extending its lifespan. You know it’s time for some TLC when your system starts acting up. Maybe it’s blowing warm air, making weird noises, or even leaking.
Since at Service Minds One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Lakeland, FL, we have our customer’s best interest in mind, we’ve got some DIY tips for you and when it’s best to call in the pros for complete AC maintenance.
1. Turn Off the Power and Clear All Debris
First, prioritize safety by turning off the power to your AC unit. Find your home’s main electrical panel and flip that AC breaker off. If you’ve got window units, unplug them directly from the wall. Also, disconnect the outdoor condenser unit from the power source.
Let the unit cool down before you get your hands dirty. This step prevents injuries and equipment damage.
Next, clear any debris around your unit. Grab a wet/dry vacuum or just use your hands to clear out any junk around your outdoor unit. Those fins on the condenser? Give them a gentle clean too to remove anything that could block airflow. Your AC will thank you for the breathing room.
2. Clean and Replace Your AC Filters
Filters are next on our list. These parts need changing every month or three, depending on how much you use your AC and how clean your air is.
Cleaning them is pretty straightforward. Vacuum off the dust, give them a little scrub with some soapy water, rinse, and let them dry completely before putting them back. Clean filters helps tons to your AC’s efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
3. Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The coils in your AC need some love, too. Debris and dust on the coils can make your unit to overwork, leading to higher energy bills and potential system strain.
Once a year, take a peek at them and clean off any gunk. A soft brush and mild detergent or AC cleaner will do the trick. Check your AC unit’s manual for the location of the evaporator and condenser coils. After cleaning, let the coils dry completely before using the unit again.
4. Straighten Coil Fins
Coil fins help remove warm air from the unit, and bent fins can reduce efficiency. Straightening bent coil fins helps your AC operate effectively.
First, remove the panel covering the fins. Select the appropriate fin comb head for your coil fins. Lubricate the comb with mild dish soap to make the process easier. Gently comb the fins from bottom to top to straighten them. Just be gentle! This step maintains optimal airflow and efficiency.
5. Unclog Drain Channels
Remember the drain line. This little guy gets rid of excess moisture; If it gets clogged, you could end up with a watery mess. Not only that, but this can also take the system efficiency down the drain.
Clean out the drain pan and use a vacuum to suck out any debris from the line. A mix of water and vinegar can help keep things flowing smoothly. Keeping the drain channels clear avoids water damage and maintains efficiency.
6. Check for Proper Airflow Around Your Home’s AC Unit
Airflow is necessary for your AC to do its job and prevent overheating. Make sure nothing’s blocking the vents in your home and that the area around your outdoor unit is clear.
Check for debris, leaks, and crimps in the ductwork. Make sure there are no obstructions around the outdoor unit, and regularly check and replace the furnace filter. Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed. Keeping all parts of the AC unit clean helps with proper airflow and efficient operation.
7. Level the Condenser Unit
Speaking of the outdoor unit, check that it’s nice and level. If not, you may need to prop it up a bit.
A level AC unit is important for proper function, preventing damage, and helping the unit last longer. Uneven units can cause mechanical issues and reduce efficiency.
To level the unit, you can add gravel under it, adjust the legs if the unit has adjustable ones, or place wood under the unit for a temporary solution.
When You Should Hire a Professional
Sometimes your AC needs more than just a DIY touch. If you’re seeing mold, not feeling any air, hearing strange noises, smelling funky odors, or if it’s just not cooling after you’ve tried everything, it’s time to call in the experts and schedule an AC maintenance appointment. These issues often indicate more serious problems that require expert attention.
As a side note, for those of you with window air conditioner units, don’t forget about them! Clean the filters, coils, and drain pan every spring. Make sure it’s sealed tight in the window to prevent air leaks and store it properly when you’re not using it.
Maintaining Your Home’s AC Unit With Service Minds Lakeland
Remember, maintaining your home’s AC unit isn’t just about staying cool; It’s about saving energy, money, and extending the life of your unit. So roll up those sleeves and show your AC some love! And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros.
Here at Service Minds One Hour Heating, we’ve got the know-how to keep your AC running smoothly all summer long. That is not all. With the help of our expert technicians, we’ll develop efficient solutions suited to your needs and budget. Give us a call today!