Air Conditioner Maintenance: Top 7 Ways to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Properly
Posted on Sat, May 15, 2010
1. Examine the outside condensing unit. Initially, you'll want to ensure that the condensing unit isn't being covered, so that it can efficiently draw air into the cooling system to better cool the home. If you've stored items near or on the condensing unit, you'll need to remove them, so that the unit can function at its rated capacity.
2. Check out your air conditioner ahead of time. There's nothing worse than finding out that your air conditioner isn't functioning properly on the first sweltering day of summer. Before you need your air conditioner, we recommend that you turn it on and let it run for a few minutes. Check out how your air conditioner is running and whether it is cooling effectively.
3. Routinely change your air filters. Regularly changing air filters is of the utmost importance when it comes to air conditioning maintenance. Filters that aren't clean reduce efficiency and block air flow to your home. Keeping clean filters will not only keep your home cooler, but it will also save you money on costly repairs.
4. Inspect the access panels. Check to ensure that access panels are in place and properly secured.
5. Check for Impediments. Remove all observable impediments near the exterior of the unit.
6. Check the mode. Be sure your thermostat should be set to cooling mode.
7. Outsource cleaning the air conditioning system. If you want your air conditioner to operate at its highest level of efficiency, you'll have to keep it clean. Though it may not seem like a problem, homeowners shouldn't clean the system themselves using water, due to risks associated with electrical shock. If possible, homeowners should contact an experienced air conditioning repair and services technician to handle the job for them.