Spring has arrived, and temperatures are heating up. As you prepare your yard and home for the upcoming outdoor season, don’t be fooled by the pleasant spring weather. Summer is just around the corner, and right now is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioner is in tip-top condition before the hotter temperatures arrive.
Don’t get caught in the heat. Take good care of your air conditioner now, and it will take good care of you later on. Trust us – you won’t regret it.
Do I really need to maintain my air conditioner every single year?
Well, think about it this way. Though it may seem like a hassle to routinely maintain your air conditioner, it actually saves you money in the long run. Did you know that 40-60% of your summer energy bill is eaten up by your air conditioner, and proper maintenance can significantly reduce that figure? When your air conditioner is running efficiently, you pay less – bottom line. Not to mention, it’s better for the environment – a win-win for everyone.
A well-maintained air conditioner is also less likely to break down or need major repairs in the hottest months. While it may seem tempting to just let your air conditioner run until it stops, remember that major repairs are both costly and can leave you in an uncomfortable situation. Regular maintenance performed in a timely manner, on the other hand, can keep all the small elements finely tuned, so you avoid major breakdowns altogether. This is better for your pocketbook and your health. No one wants to end up unexpectedly overheating.
What’s involved in springtime air conditioner maintenance?
Cleaning your air conditioner in the spring involves exterior maintenance as well as opening it up for an interior tune-up.
- Exterior Maintenance – Remove any obstructions from around your A/C unit that may have accumulated over the summer. Make sure objects like sticks, leaves, or dust have not built up. Check your ductwork to make sure it is not torn, sagging, or otherwise damaged.
- Interior Maintenance – Change your air filter, clear the condensate drain, clean your evaporator coil, check refrigerant levels, and tighten electrical connections. Find a comprehensive guide here.
While you can find how-to tutorials for self-maintenance of your A/C unit, the truth is that hiring a certified AC technician saves you a lot of time and ensures that you don’t miss anything important. Not to mention, a professional HVAC technician will provide warrantied work and be able to diagnose any less obvious issues you might have missed yourself. In the end, a small investment in air conditioner maintenance now may save you a lot in the long run.
