A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
If you want to keep your cool all summer long, having a properly functioning air conditioning system is key. That said, your AC unit requires routine maintenance—just like other mechanical systems installed in your home—to keep working smoothly and efficiently. Routine AC maintenance is also vital to maximize the lifespan of your home's space-cooling equipment.
While you can always rely on a professional to provide the care and upkeep your AC system requires to work at its best, there's absolutely nothing wrong with tackling minor tasks on your own.
With that said, here are some simple AC maintenance tasks you can safely DIY.
Replacing Dirty Air Filters
Quality airflow is critical to the performance of air conditioning systems. For the air coming out of your AC system to be of good quality, it must be clean and sufficient.
Depending on its condition, the air filter within your air conditioning system can affect both airflow characteristics. If it is clean, it will ensure uniform distribution of cool and clean air throughout your house. When it is blocked with dirt, it will restrict airflow and allow smaller dirt particles to pass through it, resulting in poor indoor air quality.
Fortunately, replacing a filthy air filter is a task you can do yourself. Simply check your owner's manual for instructions on how to change an old air filter and the compatible products for your air filter replacements.
Inspecting And Cleaning The Coils
Your AC system consists of two sets of metal coils that work together to keep you cool throughout summer. One set of coils is located within the inside unit of your AC equipment. It is called the evaporator coil. The other is found within the outdoor unit of your cooling system. It is called the condenser coil.
The evaporator coil absorbs the heat from your home's indoor environment and transfers it to the condenser coil to be dissipated outside. If these coils become dirty, your AC system may not be effective at its job of drawing heat from the air and transferring it outside.
If you can visually inspect your AC coils, you should watch out for dirt accumulation on their surfaces. If you see any dirt and debris on the coils, you should consider cleaning them to maximize the performance of your cooling system.
While you can do the above AC maintenance tasks yourself, a professional has the specialized know-how, tools, and equipment needed to get the job done quickly. Plus, they help get the guesswork out of the job. Never hesitate to call a local AC contractor if you need assistance with air conditioning maintenance.
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