Don't Get Stranded With a Broken-Down AC This Summer!
Even in Ontario's relatively mild summers, things can get pretty uncomfortable without a working air conditioner, especially with the humidity making the afternoons feel hotter and stuffier. But ironically, the more pleasant summer afternoons lead many homeowners to take their air conditioners for granted, only to find themselves sweating it out when the AC goes on the fritz in the middle of a hot day.
A lack of proper care and maintenance is the number one cause of AC breakdowns, so one can easily avoid scenarios like this with a little vigilance and the help of a professional AC technician. Please keep reading to learn why AC maintenance is so important and how to stay on top of it for a relaxed, comfortable summer!
Replace Air Filters On Time
The first step in any air conditioner maintenance plan is to change the air filters on time. For most homes, "on time" typically means every 3 months. However, it may be necessary to replace the filter more frequently if there are several furry friends in the home, anyone in the home suffers from allergies, or if a high volume of dust, dirt, or pollen tends to make its way into the house.
This one maintenance task is straightforward, but it's also incredibly important. As an HVAC air filter captures more and more airborne particles and pollutants, airflow through the filter media will begin to suffer, putting strain on the unit and decreasing the system's overall performance. For these reasons, regular air filter replacement can reduce wear and tear and mechanical stress and make the unit run more efficiently.
Keep Weeds and Debris Away From the HVAC Unit
Another maintenance task that homeowners can easily tackle on their own is keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and other materials. The outdoor condenser unit, usually located near the house's side, back, or roof, serves the vital function of releasing heat energy - captured from the indoor air - into the great outdoors. It uses a fan, compressor, and copper condenser coils filled with chemical refrigerant.
If weeds, shrubs, branches, or random yard debris are too close to the unit, the fan won't be able to pull air over the coils as effectively, which means they won't fully release their heat. Likewise, if dust, dirt, or yard mulch gets sucked into the unit and coats the coils, their ability to radiate heat will suffer even further. Either of these scenarios can dramatically lower the system's efficiency and cause the unit to overheat and shut down.
The best practice is to keep a minimum of one foot of space around the unit, but two or more feet of the cushion is even better. That means pulling weeds, trimming back vegetation, storing toys and other items away from the unit, and raking or sweeping up dirt, loose debris, and mulch.
Stick To a Professional Maintenance Schedule
The third key to proper AC maintenance is often overlooked - scheduling regular service with a professional air conditioning technician. Ideally, this should be done once a year, before summer officially begins, but when it comes to AC maintenance, the term "better late than never" certainly applies.
A professional AC service visit typically involves a thorough inspection of the system, a detailed cleaning of the units (particularly the more exposed outdoor unit), and a wide variety of in-depth maintenance tasks that only professionals should perform. There are also recharging refrigerant lines, testing electrical components, lubricating mechanical components, replacing worn or damaged parts, etc.
Between handling the basic DIY maintenance tasks and hiring a pro to service the system regularly, homeowners can enjoy the full range of AC maintenance benefits, from improved energy efficiency and enhanced comfort to greater peace of mind and a longer-lasting unit!
About Central Heating
Central Heating was founded in 2007 and has been Barrie's go-to heating and cooling resource. Their trustworthy licensed experts are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, so a speedy solution to any HVAC problem is just a phone call away. They offer a rewarding membership maintenance program and guarantee 100% satisfaction on every job, so call Central Heating for air conditioner maintenance in Barrie, ON!
