Springtime is in the air and summer is just around the corner. As temperatures rise, millions of people will turn on their central air conditioning (AC) without giving a thought to preventative maintenance. Without the proper maintenance, an AC unit will run inefficiently, running up bills under the best-case scenario. Worst-case scenario, not properly maintaining a unit can lead to expensive repairs.
Before firing up central AC, here are the top things every homeowner should check.
Check the Air Filter
Few things improve the performance of an AC unit as much as a clean filter. A dirty filter puts additional strain on a unit as it struggles to pull air through the clogged fibers. This, in turn, can lead to substantially higher electric bills.
Clean Around the AC Unit
For an AC unit to function properly, it needs adequate airflow around it. Winter storms, high winds, kids, animals, and any number of factors may have caused a buildup of leaves, sticks, toys, or debris to pile up around the unit. As debris piles up, it can restrict airflow and impact performance. Worse yet, debris can even get inside the unit and prevent the motor from working. Either way, the life of a unit can be severely shortened as a result of the extra wear and tear.
Check the Refrigerant Level
To properly cool a home, an AC unit needs the right amount of refrigerant. If a unit is running low, that may indicate a leak that needs to be repaired. In any case, a licensed professional should be used to refill refrigerant and make any necessary repairs.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
It is not uncommon for AC units to be crippled by the thermostats used to control them. Often, when contractors are building homes, they get deals on a standard thermostat that provides the basic functions at a good price. Unfortunately, a basic thermostat may not offer the level of control necessary to fully benefit from an AC unit’s power. A newer, more powerful thermostat may unlock that potential, giving more control while lowering costs.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As summer approaches, a few minutes spent inspecting an AC unit can save hundreds and thousands in repairs. At Air Design, LLC. we understand the value of maintaining a unit and can help you do just that. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about the preventative maintenance plans we offer.
Meta Description: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure to review this list of simple preventative maintenance tips before you start up your AC system this summer.
