Summer is in full swing and that means the temperatures are on the rise. If you’re like most people, your AC is working overtime to keep you cool. But what if your AC unit isn’t performing as well as it should? In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to maintain your AC unit for peak performance. Read on to learn more!
1. Clean the Condenser Coil
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your AC unit is to clean the condenser coil. This is the part of the AC that takes in hot air and releases cool air. If the coil becomes dirty, it will not be able to release cool air effectively, which will cause your AC unit to work harder and consume more energy.
To clean the condenser coil, you’ll need a garden hose and a bucket. First, turn off the power to the AC unit and remove the cover. Next, use the hose to spray water onto the coil to loosen any dirt or debris. Then, use a bucket to scoop up the water and debris, and repeat until the coil is clean. Be sure to dry off the coil before putting the cover back on.
2. Check the Refrigerant Levels
Another important thing to check is the refrigerant levels. If the levels are too low, it will cause the AC unit to work harder and consume more energy. You can check the levels yourself or have a professional do it.
If you choose to check the levels yourself, be sure to use caution. Refrigerant is a toxic gas, so avoid inhaling it if possible. You’ll need a gauge to measure the pressure and a container to hold the refrigerant. Follow the instructions that come with your gauge to measure the pressure and add or remove refrigerant as needed.
If you’re not comfortable checking the levels yourself, you can have a professional do it. They will use a special tool to measure the pressure and add or remove refrigerant as needed.
3. Inspect the Ducts
The ducts are another important part of the AC unit that should be inspected regularly. If the ducts are clogged or blocked, it will prevent the cool air from getting to the rooms in your house. You can inspect the ducts yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
If you choose to inspect the ducts yourself, you’ll need a flashlight and a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Turn on the power to the AC unit and turn off all the fans in your house. Then, use the flashlight to inspect the ducts for any blockages. If you find any, use the vacuum cleaner to remove them.
If you choose to have a professional inspect the ducts, they will use a special tool to measure the airflow. They will also check for any blockages or leaks in the ducts. If they find any, they will fix them.
4. Replace the Filter
The filter is another important part of the AC unit that should be replaced regularly. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it will prevent the cool air from getting to the rooms in your house. You can replace the filter yourself or have a professional do it for you.
If you choose to replace the filter yourself, you’ll need a new filter and a screwdriver. Turn off the power to the AC unit and remove the cover. Then, use the screwdriver to remove the old filter and replace it with the new filter. Be sure to put the cover back on before turning on the power.
5. Get a Tune-Up
Finally, you can maintain your AC unit by getting a tune-up. A tune-up will ensure that the AC unit is performing at its best and will help to extend the life of the AC unit. You can get a tune-up yourself or have a professional do it for you.
If you choose to get a tune-up yourself, you’ll need a screwdriver, a wrench, and an adjustable wrench. Turn off the power to the AC unit and remove the cover. Then, use the screwdriver and wrench to disconnect the wires from the capacitor. Next, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts on the compressor. Finally, replace the capacitor and tighten the bolts on the compressor. Be sure to put the cover back on before turning on the power.
If you choose to have a professional, do it, they will use a special tool to measure the airflow. They will also check for any blockages or leaks in the ducts. If they find any, they will fix them.
6. Clean the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are another important part of the AC unit that should be cleaned regularly. If the evaporator coils are dirty or clogged, it will prevent the cool air from getting to the rooms in your house. You can clean the evaporator coils yourself or have a professional do it for you.
If you choose to clean the evaporator coils yourself, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment and a coil brush. Turn off the power to the AC unit and turn off all the fans in your house. Then, use the vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the coils. Be sure to dry off the coils before putting the cover back on.
If you choose to have a professional clean the evaporator coils, they will use a special tool to remove any dirt or debris from the coils. They will also check for any blockages or leaks in the ducts. If they find any, they will fix them.
7. Monitor the Temperature
Finally, you can maintain your AC unit by monitoring the temperature. If the temperature is too high or too low, it will prevent the AC unit from cooling your house. You can monitor the temperature yourself or have a professional do it for you.
If you choose to monitor the temperature yourself, you’ll need a thermometer. Turn on the power to the AC unit and turn off all the fans in your house. Then, use the thermometer to measure the temperature in each room. If there is a discrepancy in the temperature, adjust the thermostat until it is consistent in all rooms.
If you choose to have a professional monitor the temperate, they will use a special tool to measure the airflow. They will also check for any blockages or leaks in the ducts. If they find any, they will fix them.