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Your air conditioner is what you need to keep you cool during the summer heat in Charlotte. A malfunctioning cooling system is the last thing you want. Air conditioning units come in many different types, including split systems and window units. Window units don’t use refrigerant gas, but they do use a compressor that can become dirty with dust or debris. Here are eight tips to ensure your AC system runs smoothly in the summer.
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Replace the Air Filter
The filter in your Window AC 5 Star is located within the unit. The filter is located inside the air handling unit. Before the cool air flows through the ducts into your living areas, air filters capture particles. The pores of the filter become clogged with dust and other debris over time. Filter pores become clogged and the air can no longer pass through them. Airflow is impeded by a dirty filter. Low airflow can lead to a less comfortable indoor environment. Your cooling system will also be forced to work harder to cool or dehumidify your house’s air. Every month, check the filter and change it every one to three years. It is a good idea for pets to have the filter replaced every month. A filter with high minimum efficiency (MERV) rating is a good choice. A filter with a minimum MERV rating (MERV) of 13 or higher captures the majority of dust, pollen, and mold spores. filter with a MERV score of at least 16 also captures bacteria and viruses.
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Clean the Condensate Drain
Your AC system can do more than cool your home’s air. Your home’s environment can also be dehumidified by the AC system. The moisture in the home’s warm air is condensed when the chemical refrigerant cools it. The moisture is absorbed into the condensate and drain pan of the air conditioner. Algae, mold, and muck can build up in the condensate drainage. The muck can block the pipe and cause water to back up in the indoor part of your AC system. Water damage can cause AC failures and is expensive to fix. Every month, take out the PVC condensate lines and add 10 percent bleach to them. To loosen the muck, use a soft-bristled, thin brush. Rinse the pipe thoroughly with water and then reconnect it.
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Get rid of all debris around the equipment
To operate at its best, your cooling system must be kept within a 3-foot radius of any outdoor or indoor equipment. This allows for heat dissipation and airflow. Keep shrubs, tree branches, flowers, and weeds away from the outdoor unit throughout the growing season. Keep boxes, bins, furniture, and other items at least three feet from the indoor unit. Avoid placing furniture or any other items directly in front of the distribution or intake vents. Vents’ blockage can slow airflow and reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency.
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Make sure you have the correct settings for your thermostat
Regularly checking your thermostat settings is a smart idea. Now is the time to get a programmable thermostat. Integrity Heating & Cooling installs smart and programmable thermostats in Charlotte. Your smart thermostat could lose its Wi-Fi connection and revert to factory settings. Your settings could also be lost if there is a power cut for your smart thermostat or programmable. Check the settings if your school, work or errand schedule has changed to ensure that your thermostat raises your home’s temperature when you are not there. This will save you money, reduce your electricity consumption, and lower the load on your cooling system.
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Exterior Housing can be washed
Your outdoor unit has a large, metal housing. It is outside and exposed to the elements. The housing can collect pollen, dirt, and dust. It can also be clogged by feathers, bird droppings, and other debris. Dirty housing can reduce the air conditioner’s ability to heat the outside. Use your garden hose with its jet sprayer to clean the housing. You can clean the housing with a specially-made fin brush if there is any sticky material, such as sap from nearby trees.
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All Vents Must Be Opened and Clear
Your home’s air vents will eventually be cooled by the dehumidified and cooled air from your air conditioner. Dust, dirt, hair, and pet hair can build up in your home’s air vents. The vent covers should be removed approximately once a month. Use a microfiber cloth to clean them. To clean the vent opening, use your vacuum cleaner’s Hose. You may need to vacuum the vent opening more often if you have furry pets in your household. After removing the covers, make sure they are still open. Your home will become too hot if it has closed air vents.
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Clean the air ducts
Your air conditioner will run more efficiently if you vacuum the vents. However, your vacuum can’t reach the entire length of the ducts. Professional cleaning of your home’s ducts will remove all dust and debris along the length of the ducts. A professional air duct cleaning can improve the indoor air quality of your home, making it more comfortable for you to breathe. Your air conditioner will work less hard to maintain your home’s cool and comfortable temperature after you have removed the dust layers from your air ducts. Duct cleaning should be scheduled every two years. Annual duct cleaning is an option if you have a cat or dog in your home.
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Schedule preventive maintenance
For smooth operation, it is essential to have your AC checked annually. AC maintenance professionals can inspect all parts of your cooling system. They can identify minor problems before they become bigger, more expensive issues. They clean and lubricate all moving parts. This helps reduce wear and tear and extends the system’s life expectancy. It also lowers the chance of it breaking down. Preventive maintenance can also increase the air conditioner’s efficiency by as much as 30%, which could help you save a lot of money in the summer months. These eight tips will keep your summer comfortable.
Other ways to Maintain your AC
Maintain your indoor unit: Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system will help you keep it running smoothly for many years to come! Regularly check for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible so that water doesn’t get into the system or damage parts inside such as coils or fans.
Keep the outdoor unit clean: Check the outdoor unit and make sure it is free from dirt or debris. Also, check that all parts are properly secured in place, including the compressor and condenser coil.
Use Quality Filter: Make sure that you are using a quality filter for your unit and make sure to change it regularly so that dirt and debris don’t get stuck in it over time which could cause problems later on down the line for your AC unit!
Air conditioner filters should be cleaned regularly, but more often if your home is exposed to a lot of dust and pollen. You can also clean your filter by vacuuming it or using an air-duster attachment on your vacuum cleaner. These AC maintenance tips can help you cut down on summer cooling costs. AC systems that are well maintained last for longer and consume less electricity.
