Come In From The Cold: 6 Simple Ways To Maintain Your Air Conditioner During Summer

Ahh, summertime. The days are long and filled with sunlight and warmth — but staying cool can be hard. Nothing beats a well-maintained air conditioner when the heat index creeps higher daily. But how do you keep your system in peak condition throughout the season? We’re here to tell you that with just a few preventative maintenance steps each month, you won’t have to stress about your AC unit breaking down mid-summer. So keep on reading for six simple ways to ensure that, come what may, your home will stay cosy all season long.

simple ways to maintain your air conditioner during summer

What Is the Importance of Maintaining Your AC Unit During Summer?

Air conditioners are essential in providing cool air during hot summers and keeping your home comfortable. However, without proper AC unit maintenance, it can become less efficient and even break down completely.

Regularly maintaining your AC units can ensure that they run smoothly, efficiently and last longer—helping you save money on costly air conditioner repair in the long run. It’s important to take care of your air conditioners during the summer months to prevent any costly breakdowns.

6 Simple Ways To Maintain Your Air Conditioner During Summer 

So you’ve decided to come in from the cold this summer and invest in an air conditioner. But now that you’ve made the purchase, how do you ensure it sticks around for many summers?

Here are six worthwhile ways to maintain your air conditioner during summer:

1. Keep the Air Filter Clean

Taking care of your air conditioner is crucial year-round. Neglecting to clean the air filter can result in bigger issues in the future. A dirty filter adds to your energy bill, reduces unit effectiveness, and may cause a failure. Checking and cleaning your air filter regularly optimises your air conditioner. While it is a minor task, regular air filter maintenance can increase the lifespan and performance of your air conditioner. It’s a win-win: fresh and clean air and a well-functioning unit.

2. Clear Away Debris From Outdoor Unit

When it comes to maintaining your AC unit, one simple task you can do is to clear away any debris from the outdoor unit. It might seem small, but twigs, leaves, or anything else can get caught in the unit’s fins and disrupt airflow. This is particularly crucial if you have an external condenser for your AC, as objects can easily get stuck in the fan blades. Routine clearing of garbage surrounding your unit can keep it running smoothly. 

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks

Aside from the basic tasks you can do at home, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional. A certified technician can give your unit an in-depth check-up and diagnose any issues before they become a bigger problem. This service may even include cleaning the condenser coils and replacing worn-out parts. Schedule bi-annual maintenance appointments to ensure that your air conditioner is in good operating order.

4. Check Ductwork for Leaks

Summertime is the perfect time to check your ductwork for any leaks. If you own an old AC unit, it may have some broken seals or weak spots in the ducts. Leaks can lead to a loss of cooling power, as the air going into your home gets lost in the wall instead. Detecting and sealing these leaks can help improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and save you money on energy bills.

5. Inspect Refrigerant Levels

One of the major components of your AC unit is the refrigerant. This liquid helps to cool air and is integral to the function of modern air conditioners. Over time, it can become depleted or leak out. This can cause a reduction in cooling power and make your AC system struggle. It’s important to have an HVAC professional regularly inspect the refrigerant levels in your unit and refill it if necessary.

6. Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear

Your air conditioner functions best when it has good airflow around the unit. To ensure this, you should keep the area around your unit clear and free of clutter. This includes ensuring any plants, furniture or other obstructions are at least two feet away from your air conditioners on all sides. Doing this ensures that the air in your home is cool and comfortable. So, make sure to move any items that might be blocking your unit’s airflow. 

Conclusions

Maintaining your air conditioner during the hot summer months doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these six simple steps and taking regular preventive measures, you can ensure your AC unit runs efficiently and effectively all season long. Regularly reviewing for signs of damage or wear and tear will help you identify problems before they become more expensive repairs down the road. So don’t wait until it’s too late—come in from the cold and start preparing for summer today. Happy cooling!

About the author

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Brad Smith

Brad Smith is an experienced interior designer and the founder of OmniHomeIdeas.com. With a Master's degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a passion for creating safe and healthy living spaces, Brad shares his expert insights and innovative design ideas with our readers. His work is driven by the belief that home is where every story begins.

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