Today, at least 87% of homes in the U.S. have air conditioning. Nearly 40% more homes have air conditioning than they did the 1970s.
With rising temperatures and increased seasonal allergies, it’s no wonder why so many more people have investing in air conditioning.
The trouble is, air conditioning isn’t a one and done process. It requires routine home air conditioning maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and working efficiently.
Read on to learn how keep your HVAC system running so you’re never caught without AC when you really need it.
1. Check for Debris Near Your Outdoor Unit
The first step in a home air conditioning maintenance guide is to check the outdoor unit. This unit releases the hot air from inside your home which is what keeps your AC running smoothly.
Check for dried leaves, overgrown plants, or grass stuck to the outside of the unit. Clear this debris away from the unit and remove any plant matter stuck to the outside. This will help your system work better and prevent further issues down the road.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A great way to take the strain off of your HVAC system is to install a programmable thermostat. This will also cut down on your cooling costs.
Set higher temperatures for when you’re not home and lower temperatures for when you are. This will stop your air conditioner from cooling an empty house. You can also adjust the temperature for more comfortable sleeping.
If your thermostat stays on the same settings most of the time, you can expect more consistent energy bills.
3. Change the Filter Regularly
One of the best tips for maintaining home air conditioning is to change your intake air filter often. You should check the filter each month, especially during peak allergy season.
If you notice a lot of dust and dirt, change your air filter. Depending on the weather, you might need to change it every three months or even every month.
If the air filter is very dirty, it will lower the air quality in your home. It can also raise your energy bill because your AC will have to work harder to pull air through a blocked filter.
4. Check the Vents
Another helpful tip is to check the vents. If you have furniture blocking vents or packed with dirt, that can harm your overall system.
While you’re vacuuming or sweeping the floor, check the vent in each room. Make sure the vent is free of dust. While you can partially close vents in lesser used rooms, having too many closed vents can also make your system work harder.
5. Get a Professional HVAC Tune-up
Each season you should have a technician check your HVAC system. They can check for any damaged tubing, blocked vents, or coolant issues before they turn into major problems.
This will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have any AC downtime thanks to regular maintenance.
Make Home Air Conditioning Maintenance a Priority
home air conditioning maintenance
To learn more about caring for your home, keep scrolling our blog for more helpful information.
