An air conditioner sure sounds like a complex machine, and it truly is. Like all other machines, it also requires regular maintenance. But don’t be afraid of its complexity as there are some AC maintenance services you can perform yourself at home, without wasting money on hiring a technician.
These practices will not just prolong your air conditioner’s lifespan but also keep it at optimal performance. So, how you can service your AC at home? Let’s get into the guide.
Understanding Your AC System
Your air conditioner (AC) might seem like a complex machine, but understanding its basic workings can help you with everyday maintenance. Hence, you can perform regular AC maintenance services at your home, without worrying about the technicalities.
The Outdoor Unit
Think of this as the powerhouse of your AC. It typically sits outside your home and houses several key components:
- Condenser: This large coil with a fan releases heat extracted from your home into the outside air. You might feel warm air blowing from the unit during operation.
- Compressor: This is the heart of the system, using electricity to pressurize a special refrigerant, which plays a crucial role in the cooling process.
The Indoor Unit
This unit, often located near your thermostat, is responsible for circulating cool air throughout your home. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Evaporator Coil: This is the component that absorbs heat from the warm indoor air. The refrigerant, now in a cool liquid state, plays a key role in this process.
- Air Filter: This important filter traps dust and allergens before the cooled air is circulated through your home. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter is essential for efficient operation.
- Blower Fan: This fan pulls warm air through the filter and over the evaporator coil, distributing the cooled air through your ductwork (in central AC systems) or directly into the room (in window AC units).
DIY AC Maintenance Services Tasks
Regular AC maintenance services are key to keeping your cooling system running smoothly and efficiently throughout the hot summer months. While some tasks require a professional technician, there are several simple things you can do yourself to ensure your AC performs at its best.
1. Keeping Your Air Filters Clean
The air filter is the main component that silently captures dust, dirt, and allergens before they can circulate through your home. So, while capturing the dust and dirt, the residues clog it over time. Hence, regular cleaning is necessary and you can do it easily without any technical background.
The air filter is usually located near your thermostat or return air vent. Look for a panel or grille that can be easily removed. Make a habit of checking your air filter at least once a month, especially during peak cooling seasons. You might need to clean it more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. Most air filters are washable and reusable. To clean one:
- Gently remove the filter from its housing.
- Softly brush the filters to remove the above layer and the thicker layer of dust.
- For a deeper clean, wash the filter with warm water and mild dish soap.
- Wash off the filters to clear all the soap residue and debris particles.
- Air-dry the filters completely before placing them back in the unit. Never put a wet filter back in your AC!
2. Maintaining the Outdoor Unit
Since the outdoor unit survives the scorching sunlight, stormy rain, and freezing snowfall, it requires the utmost AC maintenance services to avoid air conditioner repairs. So, regularly clear the area around the unit of any debris like leaves, twigs, branches, or even accumulated grass clippings. Aim for a clearance of at least 2 feet around the entire unit. In this way, the outdoors will have enough space to function properly with sufficient airflow.
While keeping the immediate area clear is important, don’t forget to look up! Trim back any overgrown bushes, shrubs, or vines that might be blocking airflow to the unit. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a clearance of at least 5 feet above the unit.
During periods of heavy winds or storms, debris can accumulate around the unit more quickly. Consider covering the unit loosely with a breathable tarp during these times to minimize debris buildup.
Note: Remember to remove the tarp before restarting the AC to avoid any airflow restrictions.
3. Optimizing Thermostat Settings
Maintaining the thermostat is also necessary for AC maintenance services. But beyond simply setting a desired temperature, there are ways to optimize your thermostat settings for both comfort and efficiency. For instance, most thermostats offer various settings beyond just a cool temperature, like:
- Heat: It may be useful for the winter, but some people accidentally set it in summer and complain about the AC performance.
- Auto: This setting automatically switches between cooling and heating based on the pre-set temperatures you establish.
- Fan: Usually people don’t use the fan setting as it just circulates the air in the room without cooling (or heating) it.
When to Call a Professional for AC Maintenance Services
While the tasks mentioned above are easy DIY maintenance, there are times when calling a professional is recommended. Signs that your AC needs professional attention include:
- Unusual Noises
- Leaks Around the Unit
- Weak Airflow from Vents
- Sudden Increase in Your Electricity Bills
Regular professional tune-ups, typically recommended once a year, can also help identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.
Reliant Solutions – Offering Premium AC Maintenance Services
Keeping your AC cool and efficient sometimes requires a professional touch. Sure, you can tackle the DIY AC maintenance services we’ve covered. However, you can always call Reliant Solutions when you face more complex issues or the need for a seasonal tune-up.
While Reliant Solutions is your one-stop shop for all your home appliance repair needs, their technician team is highly trained and experienced in servicing air conditioning systems. They have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose any AC issue, from minor glitches to complex repairs.
So, when your AC goes out on a hot summer day, the last thing you want to wait for is repairs. That’s why Reliant Solutions understands the urgency and offers prompt, reliable service to get your cool comfort restored as soon as possible.
Summary
While it is a good option to leave the repair process of your air conditioner to the experts, you can avoid this stage with regular AC maintenance services by yourself. It includes cleaning the filters, caring for the outdoor unit, and optimizing the thermostat. With these practices, you can increase your AC’s lifespan. However, if any problem arises, Reliant Solutions is always by your side.
