AC Maintenance You Can Do at Home

With all the hustle and bustle of the summer months, taking care of your HVAC system is probably the last thing on your mind. Just like getting an oil change on your car, this system requires routine maintenance in order for it to perform well enough to keep you and your home  at a comfortable temperature. The good news is that there is simple routine AC maintenance you can do at home to help keep your system in tip top shape. 

Change the Filter

The easiest and most efficient way to perform AC maintenance is to change your filter at least twice per year, though if you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to change it more frequently. A dirty, clogged filter makes your AC unit have to work much harder than it should. Find the filter enclosure on the indoor furnace/AC unit. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Be sure the airflow arrows are going the correct direction! Overall, changing your filters regularly is budget friendly and simple to do. In the end, it will extend the life of your AC system and lower your utility bill.

Clear Debris & Shrubbery from the Unit

Especially after a long winter season, leaves and other debris have likely built up near the outdoor condenser unit making AC maintenance necessary. Start by clearing away any debris, cut back branches, and remove any weeds or plants that have grown in the way. There should be about a 2 feet radius around the unit in order to ensure proper airflow. Once summer season has passed and the condenser is no longer in use, it may be a good idea to cover the top of the unit to prevent debris from falling in during the coming months.

Keep it Clean

The outdoor AC compressor can sure get dirty while baring the elements. Take a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to the fins of the AC unit to remove any exterior debris. You may need to unscrew and remove the metal external box in order to reach them. Then take a garden hose and spray down the fins to get any remaining dirty from between the fins. It is best practice to spray from the inside out and refrain from using a pressure washer; the pressure will damage the fins. Additional AC maintenance can include cleaning the evaporator coil and drain.

Adjust Your Thermostat Accordingly

If you are away every day for long periods of time, perhaps you have to spend all day at work, set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you are gone. This lessens the workload of your AC unit, thus lengthening its life cycle. In addition, this practice will save you money on your utility bill! If remembering to do this sounds like too much of a nuisance, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. That way you can set times for when your unit turns on and off. You won’t forget to turn the thermostat up before leaving the house and your home will be cool by the time you get home.

Schedule a Tune-up with an HVAC Professional

The fact of the matter is that a HVAC technician can detect most problems before they become huge problems. It is a great idea to schedule yearly maintenance with a professional in addition to doing at home AC maintenance care. A routine HVAC call will include various tests to ensure your unit is functioning correctly. It is much more pocket friendly to catch any issues early before the problem escalates in size and money. To get the best system results, have a HVAC professional come look at your cooling system in the spring and again in the fall for your heating system. 

Stack Heating, Cooling, & Electric has provided high-quality products and services in Cleveland, OH since 1976. We offer heating, electrical, and AC maintenance, repairs, and replacements. As well as indoor air quality services and water heater replacements. You can also call us for our 24/7 emergency repair services. Visit our website or call us at (440) 937-9134 to learn more!