Keep Your Air Conditioning Performing Season After Season: What You Need To Do
Your air conditioner isn't going to run forever, but it can run for awhile if you take good care of your system and maintain it each and every season. A typical air conditioning system will run for about 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. To ensure your air conditioning system turns on as needed each and every season, and performs like it should, read on for a few things you should be doing.
Spray The Condensing Unit
Spray down your condensing unit often to get rid of debris such as grass clippings, bugs, pollen, and other outside debris that can accumulate when it gets sucked into the fins on your unit. When all of this debris gets caught in your condensing unit, it can block the flow of air to your system and eventually cause your system to over-run and shut down. Spray down your unit with the garden hose often to remove all of this debris. Be sure when you mow to mow away from your unit so you aren't blowing grass clippings directly into the unit.
Clean The Area Around The Unit
The area around your unit should also be cleaned and free of debris. If you stack yard debris or other outside belongings near your air conditioner, it can block the flow of air to your unit as well. Be sure you have at least a two-foot clearance around your entire unit to allow for proper air flow. Don't stack anything around or onto your unit, as you can not only damage the unit, but you can block the air flow as well. Also be sure not to stack anything onto the unit when it isn't in use, such as in winter months.
Check The Air Filter Often
Check your air filter often to be sure it isn't full of dust and dander. You should change the air filter every other month, but check it monthly to be sure it doesn't need to be changed more often. Don't wait until you have a problem, or until you notice a lot of dust around your house. Check this filter every month and hold it up to the light. If you can still see light through it, it doesn't need changed just yet. Remember to change it every other month and install a brand new one in your system.
To help ensure your air conditioner works each spring and summer season, take care of your system and it should last for years. Hire a professional air conditioning contractor to help you with these and other maintenance or repair tasks.