When it comes to the efficiency of your HVAC system, prevention and regular maintenance is key. Just as your car needs a tuneup to perform at maximum capacity, your AC unit needs preventative maintenance to keep running at its finest.
Keeping your AC unit in tune will help you save money on energy bills, prolong the life of your unit, improve the air quality in your home and could save you the stress of an expensive repair in the future. Here are some tips for keeping your AC unit running at peak efficiency:
1. Change the Filter
It may seem obvious, but it’s easy for this one to slip our minds. To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, it’s best to clean or replace the filter every month, or at least every other month. Not only will this help to conserve energy and money, but it will also ensure your family is breathing clean air.
2. Keep it Clean
Cleaning the fan blades and coils in your condenser fan before each cool season will help the unit run better. Be sure to turn your unit off, then remove the fan grill and blades to gently wipe them clean of dirt and debris. Uncover the condenser coils and clean the dirt off.
3. Do Some Landscaping
You can keep your air conditioner running up to 10 percent more efficiently by planting trees and shrubs around the outdoor condenser unit. In a shaded area, the air can be 5 to 6 degrees cooler. It is best, however, to maintain a two-foot barrier between your unit and any landscaping to allow for airflow and room for technicians to access it easily.
4. Remove Debris
Clear away any stray materials that find their way to your condenser unit while keeping the fan grill free of fallen leaves. When mowing the lawn, try to aim grass clippings away from the unit.
5. Call in the Professionals
While do-it-yourself maintenance will certainly help your AC unit run more smoothly, a tuneup performed a by qualified technician is your best bet for ensuring efficiency. Annual or seasonal tuneups will increase the chances of a technician catching problems with your AC unit before they escalate and cause your family discomfort.
A visit from an Engineered Air technician is the surest way to keep your AC unit in tune. While there may be no apparent issues with your HVAC right now, taking preventative action could cost you less money and time in the long run. Call today or schedule a preventative maintenance appointment by clicking here, or visit us today!
