If you are not already taking steps to care for your air conditioner, it is a good idea to start now. Homeowner maintenance is one of the best ways to extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and save money on monthly utility bills.
If you’re wondering what steps can improve your air conditioner’s lifespan so that the unit lasts longer, keep reading to learn more about our top air conditioning care tips. Then, when you do need help from a professional, give our team a call for air conditioning repair in Lake Mary.
Choose an Appropriate Air Filter
First, you want to choose an air filter that works well for your air conditioner. Obviously physical sizing is important, but you also want to consider the strength of your air filter. All air filters have MERV ratings that estimate the types and quantities of particles being filtered out.
Typically, a MERV rating of somewhere between 8 and 13 is appropriate for residential HVAC systems. Anything with a rating lower than 9 is not going to do much to improve your indoor air quality. Air filtering through your HVAC system will still have harmful particles such as viruses and bacteria in the air.
Anything above 13 may be too strong for your residential air conditioner. An air filter with a tight weave can actually block airflow into the system and cause a lot of strain on your unit. You may think that you’re improving indoor air quality, but you’re actually shortening your air conditioner’s lifespan and potentially reducing your overall comfort.
Changing the Air Filter
Once you have a good air filter in place, it’s good to make sure that you change it out in a timely manner. Allowing your air filter to get too full of dust and dirt is another thing that can block airflow into the system. Air filters are typically rated to last for anywhere between one and three months before needing to be replaced. Getting a new filter in place before your old one gets too full will go a long way toward maximizing how well your air conditioner operates.
Reduce Humidity
You also want to care for the condensate drain line inside of your air conditioner. This pipe is where moisture condenses down into droplets and drains outside of your home. It’s how your air conditioner removes humidity from the air and transfers it outside. But if the condensate drain line gets clogged, water can leak out and re-evaporate into the air.
Even when you set your thermostat temperature down, your home could feel up to 4° warmer than it really is when there is extra humidity in the air. Just rinse the condensate drain line out with vinegar once each month so that water can flow freely instead of getting backed up due to a clog. This is also a great way to prevent leaks from causing water damage to your home.
Checking the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor portion of your air conditioner needs just as much care as the inside unit. Thankfully, caring for this outdoor unit is as simple as checking it monthly for leaves and other debris that may be trapped in the fence. You can also hose off the outdoor unit with your water hose using gentle water pressure to help clear away dirt buildup. This helps to ensure that heat can escape your home instead of being trapped inside.
Call Facemyer Air Conditioning and Heating when you’re ready to schedule professional air conditioning repair. Exceeding Your Expectations With Comfort!