AC Maintenance Checklist: After Buying an AC

If you’ve purchased a new AC system, you’ll want to keep it running like new for as long as possible.  To do this, you’ll need to commit to a schedule of service and AC maintenance to help you avoid costly repairs and ensure the unit runs efficiently.  Here’s how:

Regularly clean or replace the air filters.

The most straightforward yet integral AC maintenance tips include periodic cleaning or replacing air filters. Over time, dust, dirt, and other particles can accumulate in the air filters and obstruct airflow, thus reducing efficiency. If a filter becomes too clogged, it will make the cooling performance drop. You can avoid this if you just check your filters at least once a month and clean or replace them if needed. This will improve your AC's performance and save you from any further HVAC repairs.

Inspect and Clean Coils

Your AC system has two coils, the evaporator and condenser coils, which play a major role in cooling the air. With time, these coils may get dirty and will struggle to absorb and remove heat. Dirty coils can reduce the efficiency of air conditioners and cause long-term damage. Coils should at least be checked and cleaned once a year during your air conditioner maintenance. This type of task can be tricky for a novice, so it might be worth invensting in an expert professional AC service to ensure the coils are cleaned properly and working appropriately.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is, by far, one of the most important components of every AC unit; it absorbs and then releases heat during the action of cooling. If your AC's refrigerant is low, the system will fail to cool down your house, and you may feel that it runs for a longer time or does not cool effectively.

Low refrigerant will also signal that there has been a leak, in which case immediate attention will be necessary. To avoid this, make sure refrigerant levels are checked as part of your routine air conditioner maintenance. A professional AC repair technician will have the ability to test and recharge refrigerant when necessary while repairing any leaks in the system.

Clean the Condensate Drain

As your air conditioner cools, condensation is created. It is then channeled through the condensate drain that often exits outdoors. That can become clogged with dirt, algae, or other debris over time, leading to water damage or higher humidity in your home.

Periodically check that the condensate drain is free from blockages. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a long brush to remove the blockage if some are found. It may be a simple thing, but it's an important step in air conditioner maintenance that can save one future hassle.

Test the Thermostat

A good thermostat works to regulate the set temperature and efficiency of your AC. When there is an error with the thermostat, the air conditioner doesn't maintain the temperature that you set. Thus, energy will be wasted, and wear on the unit can't occur.

Testing the thermostat, as part of your AC service, ensures it reads the correct temperature and speaks correctly to the system. Where you have an older, manual thermostat, you might want to upgrade that with a programmable or smart one, since it would go a long way in improving efficiency and lowering energy consumption.

Inspect Ductwork for Leaks

Most households that have central air conditioning rely on the ductwork to circulate cool air throughout the house. Any leakage or gaps around the ducts result in serious energy loss and a reduction of overall AC efficiency. Periodic checking of ductwork will tell you about leaks, damages, or loose connections. Sealing these types of leaks will improve your system's efficiency and may save you from expensive AC repairs later on.

Regular Filter Checks and Replacements

One of the most manageable and, at the same time, efficient ways of AC unit maintenance is the periodic check and replacement of air filters. The clogged filters make the airflow constricted and may even overwork the system, hence raising energy consumption unnecessarily and probably leading to breakdowns. It is recommended that homeowners try replacing or cleaning filters every one to three months according to usage.

Schedule Professional AC Service

A  regular professional AC service - much like a regular car service - is money well spent.  A certified technician can identify potential issues before they grow into major ones and provide expert care to make sure your AC keeps running smoothly.

There are many maintenance plans you can choose from, all include professional visits, cleaning and sanitation and  a comprehensive system check of everything is in order.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of an air conditioner will help one's system be effective, constant, and economical for the entire system's life. Follow this thorough AC maintenance checklist to ensure uninterrupted unit running, avoid expensive HVAC repair bills, and enjoy continuous comfort in your home.

Though many maintenance tasks can be done by yourself, remember to schedule professional AC service at least once a year for more complex issues that keep your system in top shape. Check Taqeef AC care services to increase your AC's performance and lifespan.