Professional maintenance for your air conditioner is great, but the real difference maker is homeowner maintenance. There are steps that you can complete to care for your air conditioner each month. By completing the steps, you boost energy efficiency and help your air conditioner to last longer.
You can keep reading to learn more about how to care for your air conditioner on a monthly basis. Then give us a call any time you need help with heating and air conditioning in Boulder. We can come to your home for service or just answer your questions and offer guidance if you have any concerns about your HVAC system.
Change Out the Filter
The first and perhaps most important step in caring for your air conditioner is changing out the air filter. The location of the air filter is the single area where air enters your AC unit. If the filter gets clogged with too much dust and dirt, airflow will be obstructed and your AC won’t have enough air to cool and blow back out into your home. Plus, a dirty filter can allow particles to begin seeping through and getting into your AC unit, potentially impacting your indoor air quality and causing problems down the line.
Clean the Condensate Drain Line
Next, you want to rinse out your condensate drain line with vinegar. This is a step that you should be completing every 1-2 months as a way of preventing condensate drain line clogs. Clogs happened for a couple of different reasons. First, if dust gets into your air conditioner as we mentioned above, it can get trapped in the humidity that condenses down and rinses out of your condensate drain line.
Although the water droplets rinse away, the dirt can cling to the sides of the condensate drain line and make clogs more likely. Aside from dirt, mold growth is also very possible inside the condensate drain line. Mold spores can also contribute to condensate drain line clogs. Plus, mold spores can spread up into your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality.
Check the Outdoor Unit
You also want to periodically check the outdoor unit to make sure it is working the way it should. There should be at least three feet of space around your unit for proper airflow. If you notice any debris such as leaves and twigs trapped in your outdoor unit, gently remove them. You can also rinse the outdoor unit with gentle water pressure to get rid of any dirt buildup.
Pay Attention to Signs of Problems
Aside from these maintenance steps, it’s also important to be in tune with how your air conditioner operates. If you notice any red flags of potential problems, take them seriously and schedule service sooner rather than later. It can be the difference between a problem that is easy to fix and one that costs more and leaves behind lasting damage.
Contact Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.