Keeping Your Ducts In A Row- Tips For Central Air Conditioner Maintenance
Do you replace your air conditioner’s filter regularly? You should! Neglecting necessary central air conditioner maintenance is bound to result in a decline in performance and an increase in energy consumption. Thankfully, New Jersey homeowners can keep AC units running at their peak performance and maximize comfort with a few simple tips.
Tips For Central Air Conditioner Maintenance: A Homeowner’s Guide
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Keeping your home comfortable and saving on your energy bills is as simple when you follow the tips below.
Change Air Conditioner Filters
The easiest and quickest central air conditioner maintenance tip is to regularly clean or replace your air filter. Clogged or dirty filters can block airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency. Not only that, but air filters can also help to improve the indoor air quality.
For central air conditioners, filters are usually located somewhere along the return duct’s length. You can find them in a grille in your wall or ceiling, in a slot on the side/bottom/top of your furnace or inside the blower compartment of your air handler or furnace. All you need to do is remove it and replace it with another of the same size. Schedule a reminder to check this monthly.
Clean Air Conditioner Coils
Over time, the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt which can reduce airflow, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Minimize dirt and debris (such as leaves and branches) near the condenser unit by trimming back foliage at least two feet away to allow for adequate air flow around the condenser unit.
Unclog Condensate Drains
A clogged condensate drain prevents a unit from reducing humidity; all that excess moisture can lead to a discoloration of walls and carpet and even mold. While some DIY folks will try to use a wet vacuum at the end of the drain line to suck out any build up, this job is best left to the professionals at Point Bay.
Seal Things Up
Air that leaks through your home’s envelope − the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings − wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. Also be sure to seal any leaks around your air conditioning unit as well. According to Energy Star, if you added up all the leaks, holes and gaps in a typical home’s envelope, it would be the equivalent of having a window open every day of the year!
Once cold weather rolls around, be sure to cover your outdoor unit to protect it from winter conditions and debris.
Inspect Duct Work
A central air conditioner blows cool air through a series of ducts in your home. If one of your ducts has a leak, cool air will escape and end up in parts of the house where it’s not needed, like inside the walls. Hire a professional to inspect your duct work every three to five years.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Every Year
When you’re in need of central air conditioner maintenance, hire a professional service technician from Point Bay Fuel. The fact is that a properly maintained unit is less likely to breakdown. This saves money on repair parts and service calls.
Our NATE certified technicians offer residential and commercial central AC maintenance and we are ready for emergency service anytime, day or night. Give us a call at (732) 349-5059 to learn more.