Spring has officially sprung, and with it, the promise of warmer summer weather is not far away. Pretty soon your HVAC system will shift from pumping out warm air to blowing a cool breeze in your home. That makes now the perfect time to take a peek at your AC unit to ensure it is working properly. The good news is that there are things you can do yourself to help your AC unit. These DIY AC maintenance tips are easy and important for proper function of your air conditioner.
What can you do for your AC?
If it’s been awhile since you’ve even looked at your AC unit, don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. Like all HVAC equipment, you don’t really think about it until it stops working. The bad news is that this strategy, or lack thereof, can be more expensive in the long run. Sure, your AC can power through, but years of neglect or lack of maintenance can lead to much lower efficiency and can cut short its lifespan. With proper maintenance, just like a car, your AC can last a very long time. Here are three DIY AC maintenance tips you can do today to help extend the life of your unit and help it run more efficiently.
Room to Breath – Your outdoor AC unit needs room to breathe, or free space around it so it can efficiently draw in air. If branches from close planted bushes have grown up around your AC, inhibiting its ability to pull in air, that makes it have to work extra hard to do its job. Taking some time to trim back bushes and shrubs is an easy way to let your AC breathe.
Bath Time – If your AC unit seems dusty on the outside vents or on the interior fan blades, a bath is in order. Be sure to turn off power to your system and then simply hose down those surfaces. Removing built up dust can reduce friction on the fan, allowing it to spin more freely.
Filter, Filter, Filter – Yep, it’s time to change your HVAC filter. The air that flows through your system in both warm and cold months travels through a filter. This filter is located in your furnace. Changing this filter out on a regular basis helps the whole system, including your AC unit, to work more efficiently. Grab a box of filters on your next trip to the store and put a reoccurring reminder on your phone so you won’t forget again.
AC Maintenance from Lower
Located in Topeka, KS, Lower Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help with AC maintenance and so much more. If your unit was not performing well last year, now is a great time to have a Lower technician take a look. Providing honest estimates and quality repairs or maintenance is their specialty. The DIY AC maintenance tips above are important, but proper maintenance on the inside is essential. With many moving parts that need lubrication and electrical connections that need adjusting, having your AC checked is a great idea. Call Lower at (785) 357-5123 to set up an appointment for AC maintenance before the heat of summer is upon us. Stat cool with Lower Plumbing, Heating & Air.