We all know that there are some home and business appliances that everyone would consider expensive – but everyone would consider them necessary. This list would, for example, include an air conditioning system – especially an HVAC system, which most people in the northern part of the country would be very familiar with. However, a little upkeep goes a long way to maintain your systems, specifically an air conditioning system. Ordinarily, such a system can have a long lifespan – but it can be even longer with the proper maintenance. So how can you maintain and even prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning system? Here’s a list of top tips.
- Clean or replace the filters regularly.
One of the key things you can do for your air conditioning system is to clean (or replace) the filters regularly. For instance, you can replace the pleated filters (filters measuring one inch) every month. Still, suppose you are unsure what filter your air conditioning system uses. In that case, you can talk to a specialist in HVAC systems (such as heating and cooling Aurora IL providers like McNally), who can suggest the filters you need based on the system you have. The same specialists can also clean, check, and replace them as needed. Note that if your air conditioning system is used frequently, its filters may need to be replaced frequently. It may also have to be replaced more often if you have household pets or live in an area with a lot of dust.
- Remove all dirt and debris.
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system also means removing all the dirt and debris which tend to accumulate over time, such as grass trimmings or leaves and small branches. If there is too much dirt and debris in the unit, its system capacity could be affected, and the airflow could be reduced. In addition, if any plants or shrubs are blocking the space around the unit, this should be trimmed.
- Clean and inspect the coils.
Another important thing you can do is to clean and inspect the coils of the air conditioning system, specifically the condenser and evaporator coils, since they tend to accumulate dirt over a period. The dirt they accumulate decreases the airflow and insulates the condenser and evaporator coils, affecting their heat absorption. When you have condenser coils outdoors, they can trap dirt, especially if the overall environment is dirty or dusty or if heavy foliage surrounds it.
- Straighten the fins
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your air conditioning system, one more thing you can do is to straighten the fins (often made of aluminum) on the condenser and evaporator coils, as they can bend easily and block the air that flows through the coils.
If you didn’t do the maintenance and check-up yourself, your best bet would be to hire a technician or service to perform the routine checks. It is just once every year – but the benefits it brings are priceless. You will also have further peace of mind with the knowledge that your system won’t break down just like that – and everyone in your home or business will be comfortable even on the hottest days.
