Birds of a feather flock together. People tend to turn into those that they hang around with. This can be incredibly helpful or incredibly harmful, especially when learning something new. For example, if someone is trying to start their own business, they should look to the most successful business people that they know and follow in their footsteps to be successful. If they only hang around business owners who have gone bankrupt, they’ll have a really hard time getting their own business up and running.
The same is true with AC repair. Homeowners should look to the experts to know what steps they should take. If they try to look to their neighbor who has never done any type of AC repair before, the homeowner could end up damaging the HVAC system and causing even more problems than they started with. To get started on the right foot, here are a few air conditioner maintenance tips from the pros.
Tip #1: Check the Thermostat Settings
As soon as there is the slightest change in AC performance in the house, homeowners jump the gun and assume that everything on the AC unit is completely broken, which causes a sense of panic to set in. However, the issue could lie somewhere very simple.
For instance, the thermostat settings. This is the first thing an HVAC pro would check, therefore, our first air conditioner maintenance tip is to make sure that the thermostat is set at the right temperature and that the power button is on.
Especially for those with little kids in the house who love to press any button within reach, something could have easily been bumped into the wrong setting or turned off accidentally. Also, check that the batteries still have some life to them. Switching out dead batteries is a common solution to a malfunctioning AC unit.
Tip #2: Change the Air Filter Frequently
Dirty air filters can create a lot of problems. They can cause health concerns, especially for those with allergies or respiratory illnesses, and they can mess up the AC unit’s overall performance. The job of an air filter is to collect dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants. Over time, these filters get full and no longer have the capacity to trap anything more.
- Dirt will travel through the rest of the home because it’s not being trapped.
- The overly full air filter acts as a clog in the air vents, preventing the cool air from making its way through the home.
Trying to clean the dirty air filters won’t work. Dust, dirt, and pollen are trapped deep within air filters, so trying to vacuum or wash the filter with soap and water won’t actually clean it. Instead, homeowners should resolve this problem by simply replacing the old air filter with a new one.
Tip #3: Clean the AC System
Once the basics have been checked, an HVAC professional will often suggest cleaning the AC unit. If a central AC system is full of gunk, it can create all kinds of problems. The unit cannot work efficiently, if at all when it’s covered in dust and debris. Homeowners should clean the AC system at a minimum of once a year.
Just add it to the spring cleaning list! Get rid of dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris that covers the outside of the unit. Then clean the individual components, such as the coils, on the inside of the unit too.
Having an HVAC professional clean the AC unit can be very helpful. They’ll ensure that no damage is done to the unit, that all maintenance is up to code, and that the unit has been cleaned thoroughly so it’s ready to roll once again!
About Maitz Home Services
For more than 50 years, Maitz Home Services has been trusted by families all across Allentown, PA and the surrounding areas. Maitz Home Services believes in keeping the promise to get their customers’ problems fixed fast and fixed right. More than a promise, that’s the way they do business. They won’t be satisfied with the work they’ve done until their customers are! Book an appointment online with us today!