Air-conditioning units play a significant role in making homes cool throughout the year, especially during cold winters in Azle Texas. Like your other appliances at home, air conditioners need extra care to function smoothly and have a longer lifespan. We have given you some easy air conditioner maintenance tips.
Maintaining air-conditioners regularly is essential during the winter. According to Mark Mendell, a scientist in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Indoor Environment Group, badly maintained air-conditioners can be infected with bacteria and microorganisms.
The danger lies when you inhale pollutants that you don’t see. Mendell added that people exposed to these microorganisms in the air have a higher risk of asthma and allergic problems.
To prevent any health hazards, here are tips on maintaining your air-conditioning units at home.
Change air filters regularly.
Air Conditioner maintenance should start with the filter. All air conditioners have filters. The filters are responsible for collecting pollutants such as particles and dust. Filters prevent these elements from affecting the performance of your air conditioners.
Unfortunately, these filters get filthy over time. If left unchanged, these can cause icing on your unit. Air conditioners will make the unit work harder than usual because of too much ice.
Filthy filters can be problematic during harsh winters. To prevent this problem, it is recommended that you change your filters at least once a month.
Select long-lasting filters
When looking for filters that can last for a long time at home, select ones with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 1 to 12. Experts say that the higher the number of MERV, the better filtration it will provide your units.
However, you also need to avoid choosing units that have more than 13 as their MERV. In the long run, these units can ruin your HVAC system. The airflow is reduced when the MERV rating gets higher.
Install a programmable thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat can save you time and electric bills. Thermostats let you schedule and set your temperature even when you are away.
There are times when you fail to remember adjusting the temperature all the time. Thermostats can make your life easier.
There are different types of thermostats, and most of the available ones in the market today are programmable. When you program your thermostat, you can prolong the life of your unit.
In addition to this, make sure that your thermostats are properly placed at home. Avoid putting them near lamps or under direct exposure to the sun because the wrong placement can affect your thermostats’ reading.
Check your unit’s compressor, condenser, and drain line
Most of the air-conditioners’ compressor and condenser are located outside your home. Clear the space near your compressor. In the summer, get rid of plants, leaves, and branches that can reduce your unit's performance. During winter, check your outdoor space. Ensure that the important parts of your HVAC system aren’t left frozen.
Gently clean the area with a hose to wash out any dirt. Also, check the drain line of your unit if it has excess moisture coming from the condenser.
Another top air conditioner maintenance tip that is always overlooked is to check if there are any pest infestations such as termites, ants or even rodents. These pests can nest where moisture exists and can cause you a whole heap of problems.
If there is too much moisture, the line can be clogged due to molds and algae. To clean your drain line, use at least one cup of water with a small amount of bleach and flush it to the line.
Schedule a maintenance check with a professional
Cleaning and maintaining your air-conditioner units are a must. You can have peace of mind since you can save energy and billing usage.
Schedule your maintenance check-up at least twice a year. It is best to schedule this before summer and before the winter season. Make sure that your technician will do an overall check and clean parts of your air-conditioner.
Having professional check-ups with your local Fort Worth HVAC technician makes your air-conditioning unit last longer. Some of the tasks a professional can do are:
- · checking blowers
- · cleaning and inspecting coils
- · checking refrigerants
- · replacing filters
- · greasing bearings
A well-maintained AC system can bring comfort to your family. PoeAir has been a trusted name in the industry so you are guaranteed that your air-conditioning unit is well taken care of. Contact us today.
.