Some Common Sense Tips For Air Conditioner Maintenance

By Adriana Noton

Air conditioners are one of those appliances that everyone loves to have during that summer heat. The months of July and August remind us that this is a must have item. There are tips for air conditioner maintenance that will keep your unit working in top form during that time you need it.

If you own a central air conditioning system, there are a few things that you need to monitor to keep the unit working at top efficiency. One important tip is to schedule maintenance as needed. If the unit controls the heat as well as the air conditioning, then this needs to be maintained in the spring and fall. An inspection by a licensed air conditioning repairman is all that is needed. It can head off any problems before they arise.

If the unit just cools the home or only heats the home, then a preventative check should be completed annually. If scheduling the checks, it is best to have them completed prior to the season they will be needed most.

Another important tip that can save the homeowner money and keep the unit running efficiently is to change the filter. The filter of the air conditioner should be checked and changed monthly. If the homeowner has a system that runs air conditioning as well as heat then the filter should be changed twelve times per year. If the system just operates to cool or heat, then it is recommended that the filter be changed during the months of operation.

Air conditioner repair filters vary in size and type. Some are disposable and some are not. Filters are typically not very expensive and they are easy to change. All units are different so consult the operation guide to find out exactly how to change the filter. Make sure to turn the unit off until another filter is in place. If the system runs without a filter, it will suck in dirt, dust and hair into the unit and that can cause very big expensive problems.

If the homeowner has a filter that is disposable, then it is very easy to change. Purchase the correct size filter, mark a date on your calendar and then change the filter that day each month. Sometimes the filters are on sale, so it is best to buy six or twelve and store them until ready to use.

If the homeowner has a filter that is not disposable, then they should remove the filter. The homeowner should take the filter outside. They can vacuum the filter first to remove dust and hair. If the home has pets, then they will probably see fur on the filter. Shaking and banging the filter may assist with removing some dust and debris. Once the dust has been shaken off, use a water hose and some dish detergent and wash the filter very well. Try to remove as much dirt and dust as possible. Remember the better job you do the less dirt and dust returns inside the house. Lay the filter in the sun and let it completely dry before reinstalling it.

Keeping the air conditioner running efficiently is a priority for many homeowners. There is nothing worse than the air conditioner not running correctly when it is a hot and humid day. Changing the filter and having the unit have a preventative check are two helpful tips that will assist with maintaining the unit so that it can last a long time. - 30517

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