Regular service and maintenance are the top things you can do to keep your air conditioner running safely. While your yearly service call should be performed by a trained HVAC technician, there are some simple DIY AC service techniques that you can, and should, be doing to keep your system running well between professional services.
The Importance of Regular Service Calls
Regular service calls are important. During them, the technician examines your AC system, looking for damaged or worn parts, which may need repair or replacement to keep your system running smoothly. They oil running parts and add necessary fluids and coolants to the system. They also clean the system, which can help reduce unnecessary wear and tear. Service calls help you
save money, not only by extending the life of your AC, but also by increasing your energy efficiency.
Clean or Replace Filters
One of the easiest and most important things you can do for your AC system is regularly cleaning or replacing your air conditioner’s filters. When your air filters are dirty, they prevent your system from pulling in fresh air. This can impair your AC’s ability to cool and can even result in a frozen system or a cooling failure. You would be surprised at the number of calls we get that are due to a dirty filter.
How often should you clean or replace the filter? You may have heard that you should change them at least twice a year. That is great advice in some areas, but in the dusty desert you should be changing filters at least every three months. If you have pets, a dusty home, or someone in the home with allergies or asthma, you may need to change them more frequently.
Clean the Outside Unit
Just like the inside air intakes, your outside unit needs to be able to take in and expel air. If it is blocked by dirt or debris, the system will run less efficiently. You should visually inspect your outside unit at least once a month. You can use a vacuum to remove visible dirt and debris or spray it with a stream of water. If the unit is dirty enough that you think you need to open the fan cage to clean it, we advise having a professional come out to service the unit. To safely perform that level of maintenance, you need to turn off the power and use tools
to open the fan cage. If you do it incorrectly, you can damage the machine or end up harming yourself.
Check the Fins
The fins on your outside unit block dirt and debris from entering the system, while letting air enter it. If they get bent, they block air intake. Check your fins to see if they are crooked or bent. If so, you can use a tool called a fin comb to straighten the fins. However, if they have significant damage, you will want to have a professional handle it.
Contact Worlock & Avoid DIY AC Service Issues
If you need more than routine maintenance, Worlock Air Conditioning can help. We offer affordable seasonal maintenance, to keep your AC cooling all summer long.
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