Your home’s AC unit needs to operate reliably all summer long. However, that just isn’t possible without proper cleaning and maintenance. AC units must be taken care of to ensure lasting performance. Here’s what you should know about routine HVAC cleaning and maintenance for your air conditioner.
Why Keeping Your AC Clean Matters
If you’re not paying attention to routine maintenance, then you’re bound to run into trouble. AC units require ongoing upkeep; without it, they’ll quickly develop issues. Cleaning is essential to ensure proper heat transfer and airflow.
Your AC unit has a variety of different components that can perform poorly when they aren’t kept clean. Dust will rapidly clog up air filters. Any debris that works its way into mechanical components can cause serious issues. Dirt also builds up on coils to impede cooling, and any mold growth in drain lines is a major problem.
How Often Do You Need an HVAC Tune-Up?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, you should schedule an HVAC tune-up annually. This is the general recommendation for most HVAC systems, with homeowners having an AC tune-up ahead of the summer and a heating tune-up before winter.
However, there are other factors to consider when scheduling an HVAC tune-up. It’s best to check the manual for specific recommendations. You should also reach out for professional AC repair whenever issues arise instead of waiting for the next scheduled tune-up to handle it. Minor problems can quickly worsen if left alone.
How Often Should You Change Your AC Air Filter?
In addition to seasonal tune-ups, you should remember to change or clean your air filter. In most cases, every three months or so is appropriate. However, this can vary depending on the size of your system, the amount of use it gets, and local air quality factors. At the very least, you should check every three months and do so more frequently if needed.
Many HVAC systems feature standard disposable air filters. These can be easily swapped out — just make sure to get the proper size to fit your system. Some modern systems feature cleanable air filters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean these filters as needed.
Why Most AC Maintenance Is Best Left to the Professionals
Aside from changing air filters, you should leave most AC maintenance to professional HVAC technicians. A proper tune-up requires specialized tools and skills. You risk damaging delicate components such as coils and electronics if you try to do it on your own.
There’s also your warranty to consider. If your AC system is still under warranty, chances are that it has a requirement for a professional tune-up every year to maintain that warranty.
Schedule Your Next AC Unit Tune-Up
Keeping your AC unit clean and well-maintained is critical to ensure efficient and reliable performance. You can schedule a seasonal tune-up from Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to make AC maintenance that much easier. Schedule HVAC service online today to get the best from your home’s cooling.
