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Every homeowner counts on their air conditioning system to keep their home cool and comfortable in Las Vegas. If you want to be sure you can rely on it even on the hottest days, you need to keep up with proper AC maintenance.
As one of the biggest appliances in your home, your air conditioner requires routine maintenance to prevent wear and tear and keep things working properly. By maintaining your unit, you can keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Here are the things every homeowner should be doing to take care of their air conditioning system.
Replace Your Air Filters
One of the simplest tasks you should be doing to keep up with your AC maintenance is to regularly replace your air filters. When they get dirty, they hinder the efficiency of your HVAC system by decreasing the airflow.
Dirty filters also force air to bypass the filter entirely, letting unfiltered air get into your system. This can cause damage to your evaporator coil. You’ll want to choose air filters that have a good MERV rating to maximize your indoor air quality. Aim for something mid-range—too low a rating won’t catch enough while too high of one may make your AC unit work harder than it should to bring in air.
For optimum efficiency and the best indoor air quality, it is ideal that you check your air filters every 30 days. Hold it up to a light. If you can’t see light coming through or you notice loads of dirt and dust, it’s time to replace it.
If you have pets or allergies or you smoke, you will want to change your air filter every 30 days. Otherwise, depending on your usage, you may be able to go 30 to 90 days before you need to replace it. Checking it monthly will ensure you don’t leave a dirty filter in your system.
Clear the Condensate Drain Line
In a central air conditioning system, the condensate drain line removes excess moisture buildup. This line runs through the AC unit, taking things outside. A properly functioning system will have the water dripping out of the exit point outdoors while the system runs.
Trouble arises when the condensate drain line gets clogged, resulting in the need for repairs. Prevention is ideal by flushing the line every 30 to 60 days. This can clear things away and keep your air conditioning running beautifully.
When you perform this task, it is important to make sure you turn off your unit first. Once the unit is off, look for a PVC cap near your air handler and open it up. Pour a cup of hot water down the pipe to clean things out. You can also mix in a little white vinegar with the hot water to kill off any algae or mold.
Keep Your Landscaping Trimmed Around the Outdoor Unit
While many Las Vegas homeowners have the outdoor unit mounted on the rooftop, there are plenty who have it on ground level. If yours is located in your backyard, you may have tried to conceal it from view to better enjoy your yard. However, plants can grow too close and hinder the airflow for the outdoor unit.
You’ll want to trim them back to give it plenty of breathing room. You should also keep an eye on leaves and other debris to keep them from blocking the airflow.
Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
While doing these AC maintenance tasks can help keep your unit in peak condition, there are more things it will need to keep running well. These tasks should always be performed by a licensed and insured HVAC technician.
These professionals have the training and tools needed to fully take care of your AC unit. Maintenance services are much cheaper than having to make repairs or buy replacements for broken parts. It’s a wise way to ensure your air conditioner lives up to its expected lifespan while reducing the chance of needing repairs.
Even if you consider yourself a handy person, only let a trained HVAC professional clean your coils and inspect your air conditioner. Doing it yourself without the proper training could result in causing damage that will certainly require emergency service to fix.
You can visit URL to learn more about AC maintenance and what HVAC professionals can do to ensure your system is in top condition.
