There is no doubt that summer is here in full force. Throughout Florida and much of the country, the heat can be unbearable at times. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to maintain your air conditioner during these summer months. With proper care, your home’s air conditioning can keep you cool and comfortable all season long. Here are some tips to help you keep your air conditioner running smoothly:
Air conditioner maintenance tips
- Change your air filter regularly. This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioning running efficiently. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, which can cause your AC unit to work harder and use more energy. Change your filter every month during the summer, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment.
- Clean the condensation line: A plugged up condensation line is a common culprit for issues. As a best practice, you can pour a cap of bleach in the line once a month or so to ensure it remains clear from any blockages. Alternatively, a wet/dry vacuum can also be effective in removing any clogs.
- Clean the coils. The coils in your air conditioner are responsible for transferring heat from the air inside your home to the outside. Over time, these coils can become dirty, which can reduce their efficiency. Clean the coils once a year to help your AC unit operate more effectively.
- Inspect the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is exposed to the elements, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any damage. Look for loose or damaged wires, cracked or leaking pipes, and dirty or clogged coils. If you see any problems, have them repaired as soon as possible.
- Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear. The outdoor unit needs adequate airflow to operate properly. Make sure there are no obstructions within two feet of the unit, such as bushes, trees, or lawn furniture.
- Use your air conditioner wisely. Don’t set your thermostat too low. Every degree you lower your thermostat can increase your energy bills by up to 5%. Also, don’t run your air conditioner all day long. If you’re not home, set the thermostat to a higher setting to save energy.
- Have your air conditioning system serviced annually. A professional can inspect your air conditioning system for any problems and make sure it’s running properly. This is especially important if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
- Install a programmable thermostat. If you live in a hot climate, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day, which can help you save energy.
Summary
The last thing that you want to deal with during the peak summer months is a broken air conditioner. In efforts to beat the heat during the summer, you can also consider the following tips:
- Seal any air leaks around your home. This will help prevent hot air from coming in and making your air conditioner work harder.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home. This will help your air conditioner work more efficiently and keep you cooler.
- Close the curtains or blinds during the day to keep the sun out. This will help keep your home cooler and reduce the load on your air conditioner.
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the day. This will help keep your home cooler and reduce the load on your air conditioner.
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