Why AC Maintenance Is Crucial During Late Summer

To ensure that you and your family are safe during the summertime, it is important to have a properly functioning air conditioner. However, there are multiple steps that can be taken to make sure that the AC continues to be as functional as it was when the AC was initially installed by a professional. Once the air conditioning system is subjected to excess use for multiple months, it will need to undergo some routine maintenance. Here are a few things you need to be aware of.

Constant Use and Neglect Can Lead to Malfunctions

By the end of summer, the air filters will likely have been used so extensively that they are clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, which is compromising their overall ability to clean and cool your indoor air. The fan motor and fan motor belt may wear out as well, which makes them both unable to push the air around properly. You may hear a labored whirring noise coming from the fan.

You should clean the fan, filters, and coils. Manually remove any significantly sized obstructions and gently dust or hose the rest off. In addition, check to see if the refrigerant levels are where they need to be or if they need to be topped off.

Lack of Protection Can Result in Damage

Your air conditioning system needs a certain amount of shade to ensure it does not overheat, which makes it easier for the unit to push cool air inside of your house. Grow some shrubs and trees so that the leaves can shield the unit in their shadows. However, it is also important that you keep the shrubs and trees trimmed well so that no plants get lodged in the system, especially the filters. If you enjoy cooking outdoors, food pieces and smoke may get into the system, so make sure that you are checking weekly for grime and stuck items.

Maintenance Can Save You Money on Energy Costs

If you leave clogged air filters in the system or fail to refill the refrigerant when it gets low, it is possible that the evaporator coils will freeze as soon as winter arrives. This can considerably decrease the system's ability to efficiently meet your household's needs, which results in you spending more money on your utility bills. More than likely, you will need the help of an HVAC professional to take care of these issues, leading to excess maintenance costs.

For more information about what you can do to protect your AC, contact an air conditioning maintenance and repair service near you.

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