Air conditioners are a blessing for those who can afford them. During the summer season, when the sun hits hard and humidity makes breathing difficult, it is only the air conditioners that keep you alive. The last thing you would want is the air conditioner running into a problem that will make it impossible for you to sleep at night. This means the HVAC unit needs to be maintained by an expert who can help identify and fix problems before they worsen. Let’s take a look at some mid-summer maintenance tips that will help keep you and your air conditioner breezing through the season. Most of the tips also apply to ductless air conditioners as well.

Mid-Summer Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Check Air Filters

First and foremost, you need to check the air filters. The air filters are the simplest component installed inside the air conditioner, but they play a crucial role in the air quality and performance of the unit. With time, these filters tend to become dirty and clogged, dealing with dirt, dust, and debris.

If the air filters tend to become clogged, they make it difficult for the unit to breathe, which causes the unit to utilize more electricity, eventually raising the monthly bills. Plus, it also affects the performance and lifespan of the unit as the unit tries to make up for the loss of air by working harder than usual.

Furthermore, a unit with clogged air filters also circulates contaminated air inside the house, which could lead to respiratory issues. To prevent such situations, you should check the air filters regularly and thoroughly clean them.

And, if the filters have reached their end of life, you should replace them. You will notice wear, cracks, and damage on them.

Clean The Coils

Every air conditioning unit comes with condenser and evaporator coils. The condenser coils is in the outdoor unit while the evaporator coils is housed in the air handler unit. During the cooling process, the air conditioner releases hot air as a byproduct. The condenser coil releases heat, which might not be possible if it is covered with layers of dirt and dust.

These layers make heat dissipation difficult, which can result in the malfunctioning of the coils. So, it is important to clean the coils regularly. Cleaning the coils is easy, as all you need to do is shut down and unplug the air conditioner from the main power source.

Grab a cleaner from the nearest shop and use a soft brush and a wet cloth to wipe away all the dirt and chemicals. Failure to do so can result in the replacement of the coils, which can be expensive.

Check The Ductwork

Checking the ductwork is as important as checking the filters and other essentials. The reason is that it is the ductwork that helps circulate cool air inside the house. During the summer season, birds and reptiles might find accommodation inside while searching for a cool place for their families.

Do not be surprised if you find some intruders inside the ductwork. If you notice that your air conditioner is not performing the way it used to or the monthly bills have suddenly gone up, it might be that the ductwork is damaged.

With time, minor cracks or leakages tend to take place, and you might be able to cover them using duct tape. But if the leaks are bigger, you will need to hire a professional. Ductwork problems can also arise due to installation mistakes so hire an expert for HVAC installation.

Check The Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant is another crucial part of the air conditioner. It is the refrigerant that helps produce both cool and hot air. The compressor compresses the refrigerant and ensures the unit is able to maintain the temperature. If the refrigerant happens to leak for some reason, the unit will not be able to function normally.

Moreover, the compressor will work harder than usual, which will not only increase the utilization of electricity but also heat up. This might cause the compressor to eventually give up and need replacement. That said, it is important that you keep a check on the refrigerant level as well.

If not possible, call in air conditioner repair services Smithtown who will help maintain the levels by performing an inspection using special tools.

Check The Insulation

Even though insulation is not directly related to the air conditioner but indirectly plays a vital role in the performance and temperature maintenance in the house. If you have windows, doors, or other areas with cracks or damages, it will cause the cool air to escape as soon as it is circulated inside the house.

This is why you need to consult an expert who will thoroughly inspect the house and suggest areas that need insulation. You might think it is a waste of time but proper insulation does wonders in the long run when it comes to cooling the house.

You not only get to reduce the bills but also keep the house cool for a longer period of time.

Clean The Outdoor Unit

Cleaning the outdoor unit is as important as cleaning the filters and the inside unit as well. The reason is that the outdoor unit contains essential components that work together to keep the house cool or warm. Fortunately, cleaning the outdoor unit is as simple and easy as cleaning the indoor unit.

But, it is best to consult an expert who will utilize special skills and tools to keep the unit in perfect running condition. And, if you wish to do it on your own, consult the user manual and invest in the right tools and cleaning solutions.

Inspect And Clean The Condensate Drain Line

When your air conditioner cools your house, it removes the moisture that is collected in the drain pan and removed through the drain line. A clogged drain line can cause issues like water leakage and cooling issues. So, inspect and clean the AC drain line using vinegar.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Professional maintenance is key to running the air conditioner in tip-top condition. The majority of the homeowners believe it is just an expense, and they can clean and maintain the unit themselves. While a portion of that is true, when it comes to accessing complicated areas and fixing strange noises and signs, it is important that a professional handles it.

A professional can identify unusual signs and fix them before they create problems. This is why it should be considered an investment, as it helps keep future problems at bay. Therefore, depending on the usage of the air conditioner, you should get it professionally maintained.

And, when it comes to choosing a professional, always pick the one that is certified and licensed by the state. You will come across many so-called professionals offering their services at lower rates, but you should avoid them.

An expert will also carry insurance to bear the costs if something unexpectedly goes wrong. So, ask around in your social circle and take your time picking the right person.

Conclusion

Maintaining an HVAC unit in the summer season is not that difficult. Following the tips mentioned above, you will be able to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years to come. But, if you come across unusual noises or signs, you’d better be quick to consult HVAC repair services Huntington instead of experimenting on your own to avoid any inconvenience.