A Few Tips To Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Having your air conditioning go out in the middle of the summer is a real pain. The good news is that most of the time air conditioning failure can be fixed without a problem. The even better news is that in most cases the problem could have been prevented with proper maintenance. While air conditioning repair is usually costly, preventative care is usually very affordable and relatively easy to perform. As a homeowner, here are a few things that you can do to ensure that your air conditioning system continuously runs smoothly:
Compressor
One of the most important aspects of an air conditioning system is often overlooked. The air compressor on the outside of the home allows air to flow in and coolant runs through the coils to cool and compress the air that is going to go into the home. This unit needs to be maintained, but it is often completely forgotten about. The first thing that you want to do is cut back all shrubbery and vegetation. Then open the compressor up and clean out all debris. Next, you want to ensure that the entire compressor is completely level. You will find most compressors are on a concrete slab, and this is because they need to be level at all times. If the compressor is not level then the coolant is not able to flow through the coils properly.
Air Ducts
The air ducts are a part of the air conditioning system that is easy to clean, but rarely actually is cleaned. The ducts are what allows the air to be pushed through all different parts of the home. If there are dust and mold that are blocking the way, then your system could have to work much harder to cool off the home. Think about a clot in an artery; if there is a blockage in your air duct system, it is much more likely your air conditioning system will fail. So, take your vacuum and clean out the ducts a few times a year.
Replace The Filter
If dust or other debris get into the air conditioning system, then it could bind up and stop working. That is why a fresh filter is so important. Filters are generally cheap and easy to replace, and yet they are often neglected. Simply change out the filter once a year, and you may extend the life of your air conditioning system.