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Summer is in full swing, which means one thing- it’s hot. If you’re like most people, you’re trying to stay cool indoors by turning on your AC.
But what happens when your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should? It can be frustrating and uncomfortable. That’s why hiring a professional HVAC expert is crucial to perform regular tune-ups on your AC unit.
Here are the five most important AC tune-up tasks:
1. Cleaning the AC Condenser and Evaporator Coils
The AC condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat while evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from your home, so keeping them clean is essential. While you can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the coils yourself, it’s best to call a dependable HVAC company to avoid damaging the coils.
If the coils are excessively dirty, it can cause the AC unit to overheat and break down. This can cause the unit to use more energy and drive up your utility bills. Cleaning the AC condenser and evaporator coils ensures your AC unit is running efficiently and not working harder than it needs to.
2. Cleaning or Replacing the AC Air Filter
The air filter helps to remove dust and other airborne particles from the air that circulates through the AC unit. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and dust, which reduces its effectiveness.
That’s why cleaning or replacing the air filter is essential. If you have a reusable air filter, simply remove it and wash it with warm water and soap.
Let it dry completely before putting it back in the AC unit. If you have a disposable air filter, simply replace it with a new one.
Depending on the type of filter you have and the environment in which you live, you may need to clean or replace the air filter every month or two. As part of regular AC maintenance, an HVAC expert will inspect the air filter and clean or replace it as needed.
3. Cleaning the AC Unit’s Exterior
The exterior of the AC unit is just as important as the interior. That’s because the exterior houses the condenser coils, which need to be free of dirt and debris to function properly. Over time, leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate around the unit. This can prevent air from flowing freely around the coils, causing the unit to overheat.
Start by removing any accumulated debris around it. You can use a garden hose to rinse away any dirt or dust built up on the coils. Be sure to disconnect the power to the unit before you begin cleaning it.
An HVAC technician will do this tune-up during regular AC maintenance and also offer tips on keeping the area around your unit clean, free of debris, and well-ventilated.
4. Lubricating the AC Unit’s Moving Parts
Lack of lubrication is one of the most common causes of AC breakdowns. To prevent this, it’s vital to have an AC technician lubricate the AC unit’s fan motor, blower motor, and other moving parts at least once a year. That helps to reduce friction and wear and tear on the unit, which can prolong its lifespan. It also ensures that the unit runs more smoothly and quietly.
During regular AC maintenance, an HVAC technician will also inspect the parts for any signs of damage and replace parts to prevent further damage to the unit. A small investment in AC tune-up that ensures every part of your AC is in excellent working order can save you a lot of money in AC unit repairs down the road.
5. Inspecting the AC Unit’s Ductwork
Leaky or damaged ductwork can cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to, driving up your utility bills.
Inspecting the ductwork for leaks and damage is an important tune-up task that helps ensure your AC unit runs as efficiently as possible. An HVAC technician will inspect the ductwork during regular AC maintenance and make any necessary repairs.
AC units are a vital part of any home, and they need to be properly maintained to function properly. With these tune-ups, you can keep your AC unit running smoothly for years to come.
