If you want your AC to work as well as it should, you need to perform regular maintenance. But there’s a lot more to maintenance than most homeowners realize. To keep your system in shape, you should work with an air conditioner maintenance service and perform a few maintenance tasks on your own. Read this guide to find out what to do.

DIY Maintenance

Every year, you should have a professional come out and check on your air conditioner. But that’s not enough to keep your system in prime condition. For the best results, you need to do some maintenance of your own.

Keep the External Unit Clean

The condenser and compressor are usually located outside of your home, which leaves them exposed to the elements. However, they’re also two of the most important parts of your HVAC.For this reason, you should make sure the external unit is cared for. You should check it regularly, looking for debris in or around the unit. Remove any sticks or leaves that get stuck on the unit. For safety, you should only do so when the system is off. It’s crucial that you carefully remove the debris, or you risk damaging the unit.If you have shrubs growing near the unit, be sure to trim them back. The branches could block the air flow near the unit. All plants should be at least two feet away from the AC.

Look at the Fins

If you peer into your external unit, you can see the fins. The fins need to be clean for optimal performance. In the event that they’re dirty or bent, you should call an HVAC technician.Some people try to handle this maintenance task on their own, but doing so could cost you. Unless you’re experienced with HVAC repair and cleaning, your efforts could damage the fans. Monitoring your unit is the best thing you can do for it.

Change Your Filters

If you don’t change your AC filters, particles will accumulate. Your AC will need to put in more work to cool your home. In addition to driving up your energy bill, this will place undue stress on your system. An HVAC system is more likely to break down when you don’t change the filters.At least once every three months, you should change or clean your filters. If you’ve never dealt with the filters before, look at your HVAC’S manual and find out what type of filter it uses. Some are disposable, while others can be cleaned.If you have disposable filters, it’s crucial to replace them with appropriately-sized filters and install them the right way.

Keep Track of Your Maintenance

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep track of your HVAC maintenance. When you change a filter, make a note of it on your calendar. Set a reminder to replace it in three months or at the start of the next season.When you call an HVAC technician for annual maintenance, record the date and save the receipt. However, you can make your life easier by using a maintenance plan. When you search for an HVAC in my area, look for a company that offers maintenance plans. The company will keep track of your maintenance needs and offer you affordable rates for their services.

Jobs for an Expert

As mentioned, many of the tasks necessary for HVAC maintenance require professional expertise. A technician may do all of the following during a maintenance call.

Advise You on a New System

If your HVAC is nearing the end of its life, your hired professional will tell you. They might notice that your system is starting to show signs of wear, or they may believe that your system needs a repair that would cost more than a new HVAC.In either case, you can rely on your technician to advise you on a replacement system. They will evaluate your home’s cooling needs and decide which unit is best for your home.

Check for Electrical Issues

There are more wires than you might imagine in your HVAC system. Those wires are difficult to access and could be dangerous to an untrained individual.Because an HVAC technician has extensive training in electrical circuits and all the moving parts of a system, they can safely handle your electrical work. They will look for any faults and ensure that everything is in working order.

Examine the Condenser Coil

Using water or a chemical cleaner, your technician might clean off your condenser coil. They also will look around the external unit for debris.If the condenser coil is bent, the technician will either bend it back or replace it. This could prevent a much more serious issue with your system.

Test the Thermostat

As simple as this step is, it’s essential. Your technician will turn your thermostat down to get the system to run. Then, they’ll wait a few minutes to ensure your home is the proper temperature. Although you could check the thermostat yourself, you can’t troubleshoot it. A professional knows how to tell when a system is struggling and can look for signs of disrepair.

Check the Refrigerant

If your system is low on refrigerant, it might not cool your home the way it should. To determine whether or not you need more refrigerant, your technician might check the refrigerant levels.This is not something the average homeowner should do. Refrigerant is toxic, and you should only work with it if you have special training.

Suggest Repairs

As your technician examines your system, they will look for flaws. When they’re done, they may have a list of suggested repairs.There’s no obligation to make those repairs, but you should know that failing to fix the issues will cost you money. The repairs will increase the efficiency of your system, which saves you money on energy bills. They also prevent further damage to your system, and save you money on expensive repairs.

The Benefits of Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance Service

By using a maintenance service, you ensure your system will be able to handle your home’s cooling needs. You prevent discomfort, extend the life of your system, and save on repairs.If you need an air conditioner maintenance service, stop looking for HVAC in my area and call us at Reliability Home Services.