The Essential Maintenance Your Air Conditioner Requires
An air conditioning system can be a vital appliance during hot summer weather. During this season, the AC system will be under intense strain, and you must ensure it is properly maintained. Otherwise, performance issues could impact reliability and performance.
Replace The Air Filters
Replacing the air filters is one of the easiest and most important parts of caring for an air conditioning system. These filters remove impurities from the air before entering the system. Over time, they become covered with a thick layer of dust and dirt. If a homeowner does not replace these filters, there are a few ways they will negatively impact the system's performance. One example of this is reducing the amount of airflow. Restricted airflow may reduce cool air output while straining the air conditioning unit. Dirty air filters can also impact the air quality in the home. If these filters become extremely dirty, they let dust and dirt get through them. If you live in a dusty area or have several pets, these filters may require replacing every month.
Clean The Exterior Unit
The exterior air conditioning unit can also become dirty. In addition to dirt and dust getting on the unit, leaves and sticks may also become trapped on its exterior. Once this problem becomes severe enough, the unit may not get enough airflow. In particular, there may be insufficient airflow over the evaporator and condenser coils. As a result, the AC unit may not be able to cool the air as efficiently or reliably. When cleaning the air conditioning unit, it should be turned off. Otherwise, the system may suck the debris deeper into it.
Maintain The Thermostat
The thermostat is another part of your air conditioning unit that you must maintain. If this component falls into disrepair, it could negatively impair the performance of your entire HVAC system. In particular, thermostats can be vulnerable to calibration issues. Dust getting inside the thermostat can interfere with its sensors and controls. This may lead to it providing incorrect readings or other performance issues. Using compressed air is an effective option for cleaning around and inside the thermostat.
Schedule Yearly Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance for your air conditioning system can be vital for extending the unit's life and maximizing its performance. More specifically, these maintenance visits should be conducted yearly. A professional inspection will involve testing the refrigerant levels, lubricating the blower fan, and cleaning the coils. By scheduling this type of work each spring, you can help your AC unit provide excellent performance throughout the summer.
For more information, contact a local company like Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating.