Your home’s AC is going to be vital to your family’s comfort in the coming years, but maintaining that machinery is easier said than done. If you have recently purchased a home, then you might want to spend some time learning more about how those systems work and what can be done to keep them running smoothly.
Regular Inspections
Inspecting the entire cooling system once every few weeks is one of the most important maintenance tasks, and it could end up preventing major problems down the road. The first step in this process is taking a closer look at the outdoor condenser, and that unit should have at least two feet of clearance around it and no debris caught in the fins or filters. You also need to inspect all of the interior vents to confirm that they are completely open, free of debris, and blowing cold air.
Proper Use
There are a few different steps that you can take when using your AC system to ensure that it isn’t overworked. Whenever the unit is on, all of the doors and windows in your home should be closed so that the system can maintain a consistent temperature. You must also avoid steep temperature changes that could stress the system or freeze the AC lines from overuse.
Professional Service Calls
Regularly inspecting your AC system and changing the filters at frequent intervals are a great start, but you will need professional assistance at some point. Every AC system is slightly different, but most homeowners should plan on scheduling professional air conditioning services at least once a year. Those service calls are going to be vital to the longevity of your AC as well as its efficiency, and they could end up saving you money in the long run.
Signs of Damage
An air conditioning system can develop problems at any point throughout the year, and you need to be aware of some of the most common signs of damage. That includes vents that are blowing warm air, uneven heating throughout your home, unpleasant odors, high humidity levels, and unusual noises. You should also keep an eye on your energy bills to make sure that they don’t spike from one month to the next.
Even if your home’s AC system seems to be running perfectly, there could still be underlying mechanical issues that need to be addressed. Luckily, with a little bit of preventative maintenance and regular service calls, you should be able to avoid some of the most common HVAC problems that homeowners have to deal with.
