When the scorching summer heat arrives, your trusty home air conditioning (AC) unit is your rescue remedy, providing a much-needed oasis of cool air. However, routine maintenance is essential to keeping your home cool. In today's blog, we'll delve into caring for your home's outdoor AC unit, filter replacements, and more, empowering you to take charge of your comfort.
Safety First in Preparation for Maintenance
Safety should always be a top priority when working with any electrical appliance. Before you begin maintenance and filter replacement, examine the safety precautions outlined in the manufacturer's appliance manual. You'll need to determine if shutting off power or detaching the unit from any electrical outlets is necessary.
Cleaning Outdoor AC Unit
An outdoor AC unit is exposed to wind, dirt, debris, and foliage. Cleaning it regularly is crucial for maintaining efficient airflow and preventing potential damage. The process often includes:
- Removing Debris
- Clearing Obstructions
- Checking for Signs of Damage
Tackling Filters
The filters in your home's HVAC system play a critical role in maintaining a cool indoor environment. Over time, however, dust and dirt can clog filters, hindering airflow and reducing cooling efficiency.
It's best to replace the filter to ensure your AC unit operates at optimal performance levels. AC systems have two filter types: fiberglass and pleated.
Fiberglass filters are significantly more affordable but less effective at capturing dust and particles. The average interval between changing or cleaning fiberglass filters is 30 days or less.
In comparison, pleated air filters are more expensive but more efficient at trapping smaller particles, lasting up to 90 days or three months.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your home's air conditioning unit is one of many tasks that keep it running smoothly. Other regular maintenance tips include checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the ducts for leaks, and ensuring the thermostat is functioning properly. When done regularly, these tasks can also prolong your unit's lifespan.
So, it's critical to schedule annual maintenance checks in the fall before the first freeze to have your home's furnace inspected before running it. The same is true for your AC unit, which the HVAC experts at Harris Heating and Air can inspect for you in the spring before the last frost. These annual checks are essential for identifying and addressing potential issues before escalating.
Rest assured, their team of HVAC professionals, equipped with the knowledge and experience, will inspect and clean your home's AC system and check the operation of your thermostat. This comprehensive service will keep you cool and comfortable all summer, giving you the peace of mind that your AC is in good hands.
A Well-Maintained Home AC
A clean and well-maintained home air conditioning unit is not just a machine; it's your ally in beating the summer heat and ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. Following the routine filter replacement process, homeowners can effectively ensure their AC units provide a refreshing environment throughout the hot summer months, offering a much-needed reprieve from the scorching heat.
Remember, regular maintenance is vital to maintaining a relaxed and comfortable home! It not only ensures your AC unit operates at its best, providing a refreshing environment throughout the hot summer months, but it also helps prevent expensive repairs and extends the lifespan of your AC unit.
Call the HVAC professionals at Harris Heating and Air at:
- 620-235-9117 in Pittsburg, Kansas
- 417-310-0132 in Webb City, Missouri