As summer approaches, your air conditioner becomes incredibly important. Without some cooling, things can get pretty uncomfortable and unbearable in your home. But in order to ensure your AC can keep you cool all summer long, you need to ensure it is in good shape.
The last thing you want is to go and try to start your AC on a blistering hot day, only for it not to work. But thankfully, there are some things you can do to make sure the air conditioner is always up to the task.
Without any further ado, this article is going to go over a few helpful tips to maintain your AC and keep it in great shape.
Call in a Professional
One of the primary things you should be doing to keep your AC in good shape is to call in a professional. These are individuals and companies with years of experience helping people fix and maintain their HVAC systems.
They can perform AC repairs, inspect things, diagnose potential issues, and often even install new units if need be. Sure, this will come with a cost, but this is a small price to pay to keep your air conditioner in good shape, and is much cheaper than having to replace the unit after years and years of neglect. In general, you want to call in an expert at least once a year to check your system, even if everything seems okay.
Change Out Filters Frequently
Another way to keep your air conditioner in good shape is to change your air filter. Your air filter plays a very important role in improving indoor air quality, and keeping dust and dirt from getting in your HVAC system. This prolongs the life of your system, and ensures your place is comfortable and not full of dust and debris.
In most cases, these filters will need to be changed out often to do their job effectively. Many can last up to three months before being changed, while others need to be changed every month or so. If you have pets or children, expect to change them out a little more frequently, however.
Reduce How Much it Needs to Work
If you want to keep an AC unit in good shape, you should try and run it as efficiently as possible. The harder your unit needs to work, the shorter its lifespan will generally be. Thankfully, there are a few ways to reduce how much it works.
You can use a programmable thermostat, ensure all windows and doors are closed, and make sure there is nothing blocking your vents or ducts. Also, make an effort when it comes to air sealing your home. If you let a bunch of hot outdoor air into your home through cracks or gaps, it can lead you to running the air longer and more often than you need to.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to keep your air conditioner in good shape and working well.