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4 tips to keep your air conditioning unit working at its best this summer, from experts
Summer is in full swing. For many, that means resorting to air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. But how many of us know what we need to do to maintain our AC units functionality and efficiency?
The Focus spoke to Peter Duncanson, vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster, a global home and business restoration services company, about at-home AC unit maintenance, and Bobby Lynn, the owner of Charlotte-based electrical firm LiveWire Electrical. Unsurprisingly, both recommend cleaning and replacing AC filters. Duncanson also recommends replacing your unit once it reaches the ripe old age of 15. But theres more, too and most of it can be done at home, without calling in the services of a professional.
Note: the advice offered here mostly applies to the indoor part of your air conditioning unit. Please carry out maintenance only if you feel safe doing so, and don’t climb up any ladders without a buddy present.
Simple DIY tips for maintaining your AC unit
First, homeowners should regularly clean and replace AC filters, says Duncanson. This is the simplest and most obvious fix and will reduce dust and allergens in your home by increasing the functionality of the unit.
Cleaning and changing the air filters is a cost-effective method to extend a system’s lifespan, he adds. It reduces the chance of clogging, which hinders airflow and forces the unit to work overtime.�
A good rule of thumb is to change air filters every one-three months, depending on the quality.
If you have a ductless mini-split system, Bobby Lynn adds, this may require more frequent filter changes.
However, if you experience uneven heating or cooling throughout the home, says Duncanson, this could indicate that a more serious repair job is necessary. Similarly, unusual noises, odors, or poor air quality are also indicators that the AC unit may need professional attention.
Lynn adds that you should regularly clean both the condenser coils and the evaporator. Otherwise, dust and debris can accumulate there, and really interfere with the unit’s ability to absorb heat, forcing it to work overtime.
More sage advice: make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit things like leaves or other debris can really impede maintaining good airflow and keeping things efficient.
How to know if you need to call in a professional
Professional help may be required if your AC unit makes unusual noises or produces unusual odors.
Likewise, if it cycles between on and off frequently �more frequently than you would consider usual �it might be worth having a professional check it over. And while you’re waiting for them to come around, consider this NASA-approved method of cooling your home (they call it eco-friendly air conditioning!)
If the system fails to maintain a consistent temperature or if energy bills spike unexpectedly, Duncanson says, its a sign to consider hiring a professional. So, whether you set it to 75 �the sort of temperature many Brits would consider a heatwave �or lower, it should be able to hold it at the desired temperature.
On this point, Lynn recommends keeping a weather eye on your thermostat, and keeping it set at a moderate temperature. This will prevent your system from overworking, which in turn will reduce wear and tear. Avoid the temptation to let it run nonstop, since this could ironically push it too hard and cause it to overheat.
And again, if its within your means, try to have a professional check your AC unit once a year. This way, youll catch potential problems early and avoid bigger bills further down the line.
Trained professionals can accurately diagnose issues, provide efficient solutions, and ensure that any repairs or replacements are done correctly and safely,” Duncanson emphasizes.
When you should replace your AC unit
Duncansons key piece of advice regarding replacement is that if your AC unit is over 10-15 years old, get a new one.
Of course, you can only do this if its within your means. But he insists that it will prove more cost-effective in the long run, since older machines are (often) more expensive to run, and will probably be more expensive to fix, if and when they break.
Running an old machine will likely be inefficient, he says, and mean higher energy bills. It could also lead to more expensive repairs, especially as older machines become less and less common.
