Expert tips to keep your AC unit running nice and cool during summer
A functioning A/C unit providing cool breezes indoors is necessary to fight off the hot, rising temps outside. And to keep the refreshing air running through summer, many homes’ A/C systems may need a little extra help. Homeowners should turn to an HVAC expert if they suspect their air conditioning is suffering from a major issue or in need of a repair. But there are a number of less technical, minor maintenance tasks that any homeowner can use to ensure their A/C keeps running without issue.
Replace the Air Filters on a Regular Schedule
Homeowners should be on a schedule to regularly check and replace the air filters for their A/C unit. The recommended time frame to replace the filter is every 60–90 days, but filters can become clogged faster than that when dealing with certain outdoor conditions or in particularly dusty areas. Checking and changing out the air filter not only helps the system continue running efficiently, but it also can improve the air quality within the home.
Clean up the Outdoor A/C Unit
Sitting outside and usually out of view, forgetting about the outdoor A/C unit is fairly common. The outdoor unit is pivotal for a home’s A/C system to run properly, though, so checking up on the unit and making sure it’s without issue should be a routine.
Make sure the unit maintains a clearance of 1–2 ft. on all sides, and that it is free from dirt and debris, including tree branches. It’s also a good idea to check the unit’s foundation for cracks and to make sure that it is still on level ground.
This is also a good time to check the coils within the unit. Because the refrigerant coils within an A/C are often damp, they become particularly attractive surfaces for dust and dirt to collect upon. If a large amount of dust and dirt build-up occurs on these coils, it’s more difficult for the coils to function properly, and the coils become insulted. This increases the already cold temperatures inside and can create issues such as frost forming on the unit or the unit freezing up internally.
Check the Vents
Homeowners should take a chance to walk around at home and inspect the vents in each room to verify that the airflow is equally cold. If the flow seems weak or warm in several places, this is a good indication that the ductwork should also be checked for signs of possible openings or leaks. This is also a chance to check that enough vents are opened throughout the house to provide disbursed cooling. A good rule of thumb is opening up 80% of the home’s vents, to help ease the strain on your HVAC unit while efficiently cooling off the space.
While performing these routine checks and maintenance, it’s possible that homeowners will uncover additional issues that need to be checked out and fixed. If you find that there are further issues with your A/C unit that require a second opinion from a heating and cooling specialist, consider reaching out to the technicians at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling. With over 30+ years of experience, the technicians at Duane Blanton will be able to guide homeowners through the entire inspection process with ease. Reach out to Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling today, via phone at (815) 781-2567, or online through their online scheduling portal. Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling is proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, offering top-quality heating and cooling options to fit the specific needs of Duane Blanton customers. The quality, comfort, and efficiency of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems’ products naturally aligns with Duane Blanton’s drive to provide an exceptional customer service experience. Ask a Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling expert today about the advantages of upgrading to a new Bryant Heating & Cooling system for your home!
