Taking care of your home's air conditioning system is a must if you want to avoid expensive repairs or the need for premature replacement. It's always best to turn to an HVAC professional for major AC maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the unit's evaporator coils or performing tune-ups. However, there are still some basic air conditioner maintenance tasks that you can take care of yourself.
Preventing Condenser Blockages
In a home with central air conditioning, the condenser is the part of the unit that sits outside the home. One of the most common causes of AC problems is that of blockages caused by overgrown landscaping (grass, shrubs, plants, etc.) around the unit itself. With this in mind, one of the easiest things you can do to protect and maintain your AC is to make sure the area around the condenser unit is kept clear. This means keeping grass mowed and removing weeds or trimming back overgrown plants as needed.
Cleaning The Condenser And Compressor
You can also take care of some basic cleaning of the outdoor unit, including the condenser and compressor, without much in the way of expertise or special equipment. Start by shutting off power to the unit by flipping the breaker switch. From there, clean out debris from around the unit. A hand vacuum with a hose attachment can be especially effective at removing debris from just beneath the grating that houses the condenser fan. You can also use a garden hose on a gentle spray setting to remove grime and other debris from visible areas of the condenser and compressor.
Changing Out Your Air Filter
When was the last time you changed your HVAC air filter? If it's been more than a few months, you're probably overdue. Replacing an air filter only takes a minute or two of your time, and you can purchase replacement filters very inexpensively at your local hardware store or even some grocery stores. Changing out your air filter will help ensure clean airflow and optimized indoor air quality while also protecting your HVAC system from damage caused by excessive debris and particles.
These are just a few of the many ways in which you can care for your home's air conditioning. Of course, this doesn't negate the need to bring in an HVAC professional for an annual inspection and tune-up, but it can help to maintain your home's HVAC system in between these appointments.
Reach out to an AC maintenance professional to learn more.
