The Do’s and Don’ts Of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Although modern air conditioning (AC) units are designed with functions that could keep repairs at bay, it doesn’t mean they no longer require proper and regular maintenance. No matter how user-friendly your unit may be, you still need to make sure it’s functioning efficiently to ensure years of comfort. One way to do so is by religiously following the basic do’s and don’ts of air conditioning maintenance. 

The Do’s Of Air Conditioning Maintenance 

If you don’t have scheduled AC maintenance yet, you might want to reach out to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor to talk about it. It’s essential to have a contractor or specialist you can trust when it comes to maintaining your system. If you’re from Virginia, you can easily find the best air conditioner Mclean contractor can offer. These professionals will gladly maintain your AC unit.  

To add, here are some things you should include in your to-do list to ensure your AC unit will provide years of service with minimum repair or replacement required: 

• Clean Your Filters Monthly 

Cleaning your air conditioner filters is one of the important tasks to remember when maintaining the efficiency of the AC. Dirty or clogged filters can obstruct normal airflow in the unit, which can significantly affect the system’s efficiency. When airflow is blocked or obstructed, dirty air bypassing the filter can weaken the coil’s capacity to absorb heat. 

Some filters may be reusable and only need regular cleaning, while others require replacement once they’re no longer functioning as expected. Make sure to clean the filters of your AC at least every month or two. 

If you frequently use your unit or have furry pets at home, you might need to pay more attention to your air conditioning filters. Check their condition every two weeks or so to know if they’re already in need of cleaning or repair.

• Check The Thermostat 

The thermostat is a regulating device that’s considered the ‘brain’ of your HVAC system. Checking it often will ensure that it’s functioning correctly, allowing you to regulate your AC temperature efficiently. You also need to make sure the thermostat is calibrated accurately. An inaccurate or uncalibrated thermostat can be the reason your utility bills are increasing.

If you’re not sure how to check the thermostat’s calibration, it’s best to call in a professional to do so. Additionally, check if the device allows for scheduling so you can set the temperature for ideal cooling performance.

• Check The Air Ducts For Leaks 

Sometimes, air conditioning functions fail, and homeowners tend to immediately blame it on the unit itself. Sometimes, they forget that leaking or filthy air ducts may also be a reason for any malfunction in the HVAC system. Make sure ductwork is regularly inspected and maintained. If there are leaks, have your trusted contractor repair them immediately.

What You Shouldn’t Do 

Of course, after the list of do’s comes the don’ts part. Knowing what not to do when maintaining your air conditioning unit is just as important as remembering everything that needs to be done. 

To help you out, here are some of the don’ts to keep in mind: 

• Don’t Attempt Any DIY Method You’re Not Sure Of 

With loads of information on the internet about anything DIY, it can be tempting to try your luck and do things yourself, especially if you want to save money on professional fees. However, this is something you shouldn’t attempt to do if you’re not 100% certain of what you’re doing. 

HVAC maintenance and repair require skills and experience, and that’s what you’ll be paying for when you hire a professional to do the job. It’s better to let someone with proper training and experience do it rather than having to spend more money in the end once you cause further damage instead of repairing the unit. 

• Don’t Ignore Strange Noises

You might say all air conditioners would create a sound each time you turn them on. That may be true, but when you’ve been using the unit for some time now, you can easily tell if the sound is normal or already strange to your ears. Unusual sound or noise coming from the unit shouldn’t be ignored because it’s most likely a telltale sign that there’s something wrong with your air conditioner. 

If you hear strange noises coming out from your AC, don’t risk it and call a professional HVAC specialist as soon as possible. Doing so can potentially prevent further damage and more severe problems in your air conditioner. 

Final Words 

The do’s and don’ts of air conditioning maintenance aren’t that difficult to remember and follow–you can write them down to ensure you won’t forget any of them. You may also set an alarm or a reminder using your phone, so you can easily remember what needs to be done when.