Tips to Get the Most Out of the AC
Owning a home can feel like a hassle, so most homeowners will take all the luck they can get. Luckily, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and luck are abundant! A homeowner can stay ahead of problems by paying more attention to their air conditioning system. With good maintenance, an air conditioner will run longer, stay cooler and cost less than a neglected system. Here are tips from local air conditioner maintenance professionals to ensure the AC stays lucky.
Make AC Filter Replacement a Priority
AC filter replacement is one of the cheapest and easiest AC maintenance tasks. Coincidentally, it is also one of the most important, and the homeowner can carry it out. Air conditioner manufacturers recommend replacing air filters at least quarterly, but it is more appropriate to change them more often in many cases. For example, if pets are present in the home, filters may need to be changed as often as monthly to keep the air clean.
The main reason for changing air filters is to keep the air conditioner working efficiently. A pleasant side effect of having clean air filters is clean air, but a clean filter is also essential to the healthy operation of an AC unit. A clean filter allows air to flow more freely through an AC’s blower, allowing the air to be cooled more effectively and distributed around the home.
When filters start to clog with dust, the airflow is reduced, resulting in an increasing loss of efficiency as the filter gets dirtier. Replacing the filter keeps dirt out of the system's moving parts and restores lost efficiency immediately.
Check the Thermostat’s Function
Most homeowners have little experience troubleshooting AC problems. Apart from AC filter replacement, they may feel intimidated trying to figure out their AC problems. One of the troubleshooting tasks a homeowner should feel comfortable with is checking the thermostat. Since the thermostat is essential to good AC function, many problems originate here. Here is a quick guide for checking the thermostat:
- First, verify the power source. Some thermostats are battery-powered and need new batteries periodically. Others will lose power when power to the AC system is lost.
- Second, check the setting. Too often, homeowners will forget to switch from heating to cooling when the season changes.
- Third, look for dirt or dust buildup around the thermostat.
- Finally, check the temperature on display for accuracy.
If these steps don’t fix the problem, it may be time to call for professional AC repair.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Professional AC maintenance is a service that most HVAC contractors offer. The purpose of AC maintenance is to:
- Increase longevity
- Ensure comfort
- Reduce mechanical problems
- Improve air quality
- Decrease operating costs
Homeowners that schedule air conditioner maintenance semiannually will notice the benefits immediately. The best way to ensure this service doesn’t get neglected is to look for an HVAC maintenance contractor with a membership program.
About Elite Electric & Air
Elite Electric & Air is the local choice for AC maintenance and repair. With emergency service for clients' peace of mind and a partnership plan, their skills are always available to the community. Call today for honest AC repairs in Port St. Lucie, FL.