The Dos & Don’ts of Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System

31 Aug The Dos & Don’ts of Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System

A well-maintained air conditioning unit results in extended shelf life, superior functionality and efficiency, and reduced energy consumption. With two-thirds of all US homes owning air conditioners, it makes sense to learn the basics of taking care of this all-important HVAC unit. 

The following are some dos and don’ts in maintaining your residential AC unit. Many of these tasks are simple, however, some may require the expertise of an HVAC or AC professional.

DOs:

• Change your AC filters regularly. As simple as something like a dirty filter can disrupt the way your air conditioning unit works. Make sure that you change the filters every three months unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
• Keep your air conditioning unit clean at all times. It is always important to check your unit if there’s any dirt and debris since a dirty air conditioner can’t function effectively. Clean and wipe off coils and drains of your AC system.
• Make sure that the outdoor condensing unit is clear from any obstruction. There mustn’t be any debris surrounding the unit to keep sufficient airflow inside your AC system. Make it a habit to trim grass or twigs that can block the area. 
• Check the thermostat. More often than not, a faulty thermostat ruins the efficiency of the AC unit. Make sure that you set the thermostat temperature according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. 
• Schedule HVAC preventative maintenance. The importance of a professional service from a certified HVAC technician cannot be overstated. HVAC professionals will inspect the whole system and perform residential AC repair if necessary. Regular HVAC preventative maintenance is crucial for the life of your AC unit. 

DON’Ts:

• DON’T repair the electrical line by yourself. Tampering broken connections, refrigerant, and electrical wires can be hazardous. Let the trained HVAC technician handle the residential AC repair for you.
• DON’T  leave the filters clogged and filthy. Allowing your unit to gather lots of dust and mold is not just bad for your AC unit but also not an ideal situation for your health. It will eventually affect your indoor air quality, which can cause adverse health effects on you and your family. 
• DON’T run your AC system 24/7. Make sure that you let your AC system take a break. All devices will be prone to damage if it runs continuously.
• DON’T  allow the batteries in your thermostat to die out. The thermostat is the control unit of your air conditioning system; letting the battery drain will decrease the effectiveness of the system. 
• DON’T  allow overcrowding near your vents. Keep unnecessary things off your vents such as plants, electronics, books, etc. It will interrupt the airflow. 
• DON’T  power your AC unit using an extension cord. It is not advisable to use an extension cord when powering your air conditioning unit since there could be a decrease in voltage, making it hard for your system to keep cooling your house.
• DON’T  ignore unexpected bills. A sudden spike in your energy consumption could mean a faulty air conditioning system. So, it is essential to be familiarized with your typical energy consumption to avoid wasting energy and money.

Need residential AC repair in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas? Contact Van Dyck Mechanical today! Call us at (405) 224-COOL (2665).