How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Unit in Great Shape

Your air conditioning unit is your best friend and greatest ally when summer swelters, and there’s nothing worse than having an AC breakdown when outside heat hits its peak. To ensure comfort and coolness through the summertime, it’s essential to maintain your AC unit, calling Elite professionals for routine inspections before the heat becomes too much to handle.

Your AC’s maximized lifespan depends on simple maintenance steps that you take to ensure your unit runs smoothly from May to September. Read on for details on keeping your air conditioning system in great shape, especially when the summer sun is wreaking havoc outdoors.

The Importance of Regular AC Unit Maintenance

Regular maintenance is preventative maintenance. Homeowners who are proactive with AC maintenance have units that last longer and keep their homes cooler and more comfortable. Regular maintenance is routine for Elite technicians, and we use specialized tools and high-standard inspections to ensure your AC unit is well-maintained.

Your HVAC unit should be checked bi-annually—once before it gets too hot and again before the weather cools to freezing temperatures. This guarantees proper airflow for warming and cooling, assuring you are comfortable through all climate changes. Regular AC maintenance extends the unit’s lifespan, catching minor issues before they become more significant, such as costly repairs or replacements.

Cleaning Air Filters, Checking Condenser Coils, and Ensuring Proper Airflow

There are some do-it-yourself cleaning methods you can implement to keep your air conditioning in great shape. For instance:

• You should clean or replace your air filters monthly. For reusable filters, wash with a gentle water rinse and air dry completely before reinstallation.
• To keep condenser coils clean (in the outdoor part of an AC unit), remove debris like dirt and leaves, then use a garden hose to rinse the coils. Be cautious around the fins. You will have to replace them if you bend them.
• Ensuring proper airflow is as easy as making sure your vents are clear of debris. Inspect the vents and ductwork, checking for leaks and grime. Clean where needed to maintain better airflow.
• To complement your AC unit and decrease wear and tear, use ceiling fans in the living room and bedrooms. This will disperse cold air quicker, allowing the AC to cool a room and rest.

Signs of a Failing AC Unit and When to Call a Professional AC Tech

Weak airflow is the number one sign of an AC unit problem. Blowers should be strong enough to send blasts of cool air through your ductwork and out of vents, regardless of where they are placed in your home. When the AC is on, put your hand over an air vent. If you can barely feel the airflow, something may be blocking your ducts, or there could be a problem with the AC unit’s blower.

Other signs of a failing or damaged AC unit include:

• Clanging, rattling, or squealing sounds when the AC kicks on.
• The AC unit cycles, turning on and off frequently, and struggles to maintain your desired temperature.
• If an AC unit blows tepid or warm air instead of cold, there’s a problem with your refrigerant or compressor.
• Moisture in the air. Properly functioning AC units pull humidity out of the air, so a humid room indicates a failing cooling system.

While bi-annual maintenance can help keep your AC unit in top shape, unexpected problems may arise at any time. Call an Elite professional technician if you are experiencing any signs of a failing or damaged air conditioning unit. Keeping your air conditioning unit in great shape begins with an attentive homeowner.