The best way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently all summer long is by investing in proper maintenance. The good news is that you can do a lot yourself to keep your cooling system operating at peak performance.
As a leading AC repair specialist in Littleton, our Southwest Heating & Air Conditioning Repair team put together the following summer AC maintenance tips for homeowners.
#1 Close the Blinds and Curtains
Closing the blinds and curtains during the hottest time of day can help your air conditioner function more efficiently. The sun and heat blasting through windows can make your indoor space warmer, which causes your air conditioner to work harder. Over time, this can strain the system and shorten its working life.
#2 Check Your Ceiling Fans
Turn off the ceiling fans and set all of their switches to a counterclockwise rotation. This direction helps circulate cool air properly in the summer.
During the fall and winter, switch the rotation to clockwise. This enhances the airflow through your house in a short time.
#3 Clean Your Air Filters Frequently
Air filters get dirty fast. You should change them once a month as part of your summer AC maintenance routine to ensure your air conditioner keeps your Littleton home cool.
Sometimes, air filters clog up faster because of the following elements:
- Cigarette smoke
- Pet hair and dander
- Kids playing in grass and dirt
- Indoor activities and hobbies, plus cleaning schedules
- Your home’s location near a building site or a dusty road
Dust and debris prevent the cooling process and airflow. Eventually, this raises your energy bill. Keeping the air filters clean elevates your cooling system’s performance and increases its longevity.
If you can’t see through the filter, change it right away.
#4 Cleaning Condenser Coils
When cleaning the condenser coils, check the manufacturer’s manual for the coil cleaning procedure. You may need to buy coil cleaner if you don’t have any.
If you’re not covering the outside unit during the winter, clean the debris from around it. Beware that critters like mice and snakes like to take refuge around the coils.
It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask and gloves when doing this kind of work. These animals are experts at hiding and can catch you off guard with a bite quickly.
#5 Check the Drain Line
When you check drain line build-up, the process can get messy. The drain line is a PVC pipe that can become clogged with water, dirt, and debris, which you’ll need a bucket to collect. The water flows quickly and can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
First, cut the pipe, and make sure you have an attachment to reconnect it. A wand attachment on a vacuum cleaner can suck out the clogs. Next, put the pipe back together using the attachment.
Of all the summer AC maintenance steps, this is among the more complicated ones. That’s why it’s always better to hire a professional for this kind of work.
#6 Check Coolant Lines
To check coolant lines, you check two lines. One is bigger than the other one. Gas flows through the bigger one, and a liquid coolant flows through the other.
Make sure that these lines remain intact. If they’re not, your air conditioner won’t complete the cooling process.
#7 Get a Professional Tune-Up From a Littleton Expert
These summer maintenance tips go a long way in helping you maintain the function of your air conditioner and the comfort of your home. However, professional maintenance is a must for proper functioning. A professional HVAC technician understands how to perform more complicated tasks and identify potential problems early.
If your HVAC expert finds a potential problem during their inspection, they can also provide quick repairs. This saves you time and money down the line.
Additionally, the warranty you have on your air conditioner may require you to schedule tune-ups with a qualified professional. Conducting DIY work and having something go wrong can void your warranty.
Contact Southwest Heating & Air Conditioning Repair for AC Maintenance in Littleton
Southwest Heating & Air Conditioning Repair knows when they’re looking at a maintenance task or a repair. Our inspection can reveal how long an AC unit will last or if you need a repair.
Don’t hesitate to book our professional summer AC maintenance service. Your home will feel cool during the Littleton summer, and the checkup will provide high-level protection for your conditioner and air quality. Contact us at 303-791-2679 for a tune-up.