Air conditioning, especially in the southwest, is a vital component of our homes and businesses. During those hot summer months, you want to stay comfortable in your property. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your AC, you need to keep up with regular maintenance. This involves undertaking several tasks so you’re summer-ready and avoid costly HVAC nightmares. As one of the top HVAC technicians in the southwest, we’ve highlighted ways you can maintain your AC unit. Read our article below to learn more!
Change Your Air Conditioning Unit Filters
One of the simplest things you can do is change out your unit’s air filter. The U.S. Department of Energy states replacing a dirty filter can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Clogged, dirty filters block the airflow of your AC and make the unit work harder. This is not only bad for your HVAC system, but it can impact your energy bill and energy waste.
Depending on your usage, we recommend changing your air filter every 1-3 months. If you have pets or are in allergy season, you may consider replacing your filters more often.
Inspect Your Unit and Clear Off Debris
Another task property owners do to maintain a healthy air conditioning unit is cleaning its exterior. Build-up from leaves and other vegetation is a common, yet impactful issue that is easy to resolve. Inspect your AC unit and clear off debris build-up and trim vegetation away from the system. Additionally, keep an eye on close-by bushes or trees that produce excessive pollen. Their particles can find their way into your system, which can damage your unit and affect your air quality.
Replace Rotten Insulation Lines
Air conditioning units face a variety of weather conditions that impede their performance. One component that is a common issue for property owners is AC insulation lines. Condensation can have a heavy toll on them and result in damage and rot. Moreover, it has a huge impact on high energy bills and waste.
If your insulation line is in poor condition, you need to have it repaired to avoid its consequences. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional HVAC professional to mend your insulation line.
Watch Out for Sinking Air Conditioning Pads
Over the years, the concrete pads you see under AC units will sink into the ground. While this is okay for the most part, sinking can result in straining coolant tubes and electrical lines. Additionally, sunk units are at greater risk of water damage. To avoid damaging critical lines and water damage, you need to take action.
Try working a long board under one side and packing sand under the air conditioning pad. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the pad to ensure the unit is leveled as much as possible. You will not need to remove the unit from the pad unless the slab is beginning to crack. If that is the case, you will need to call an HVAC professional to assist in the pad\’s repair.
Check Your Air Conditioning Evaporator Coil
Another aspect that property owners should be aware of when maintaining their AC unit is the evaporator coil. This is the part of the air conditioner that absorbs the heat from the air on your property. If you\’re unsure of where to find it, have your service technician show you.
The coil collects dirt over time that results in reduced airflow and heat absorption. We recommend checking your coil every year to examine the state of its condition. To minimize blockage, we recommend cleaning debris from the unit and the surrounding area. This will result in adequate airflow around the unit and reduce dirt intake.
B&D Industries Are Experts in Residential and Commercial HVAC
For over 65 years, B&D Industries has provided residential and commercial property owners with first-class services. HVAC is one of our specialties and has made us a go-to source for hundreds of clients in the southwest. Our experienced team of technicians is able to assist in maintenance, installation, and emergency repairs to your air conditioning unit. Contact us today if you’re having issues with your HVAC system.
