AC Maintenance Tips – Keep Your AC Running
Keeping your air conditioner running in peak performance requires regular maintenance, like any appliance or car. With proper maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently and extend its lifetime. From filters to coils, your air conditioner contains many components to monitor. Read on for the best AC maintenance tips to help keep your AC from breaking down.
Clean or Replace Filters
One of the most important AC maintenance tips is to clean or replace the air filter often. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your AC’s efficiency significantly. This can lead to a variety of problems, including reduced cooling, excessive energy consumption, and even a frozen evaporator coil.
If you have a reusable filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a disposable filter, change it every few months – more often if you have allergies or excessive dust in your home. Clean or changing your filter is a simple task that will keep your AC running in top shape.
Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condensing unit is essential for optimum efficiency and performance. Your AC requires airflow to function efficiently, so your condensing unit should be kept unobstructed at all times. Make sure to clear away any leaves, branches, plants, or grass clippings that might be blocking the air flow. Keeping the area surrounding the condensing unit clean will help your AC to run better.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Your AC unit needs refrigerant to cool your home. Refrigerant is notorious for leaking, and it requires regular check-ups to make sure your AC is running properly. If levels are too low, it means that your AC is leaking and its efficiency is reduced. It’s important to have a qualified technician come to assess and repair the leak right away to make sure your AC is running at its best.
Check Wiring Connections
Wiring connections are integral to the functionality of your air conditioner. Inspect all the connections on the outdoor unit to make sure they’re secure. Make sure not to touch any electric connections while doing this, as they may be charged even when the unit is not running. Loose or corroded connections can pose a significant safety risk, so any defects should be immediately inspected by a professional.
Clean the Outdoor Coil
The outdoor coil of your air conditioner is one of the most important parts of the system. A dirty coil lowers your AC’s efficiency and can eventually cause compressor damage. Periodically spraying the outdoor coil with a specially-made coil cleaner will help keep the coil clean and keep your AC running smoothly.
Clean the Drain Line
Your air conditioner can produce a significant amount of condensation, which needs to be directed away from your home. Inspect and clean the area around the waste pipe to make sure it remains unblocked and is able to do its job. It’s also important to check the drain line periodically for any leaks or blockages. If any problems are found, they should be fixed by an HVAC technician.
AC Maintenance with Local Reliable Appliance Repair
Local Reliable Appliance Repair can provide full AC maintenance services at budgets you can afford. By helping you keep your AC running efficiently and preventing expensive repairs or replacements, the professionals at Local Reliable Appliance Repair can help you keep cooling costs to a minimum. Our team of AC maintenance experts can help you stay cool this summer by keeping your air conditioner in peak condition.
So don’t wait for small problems to turn into large, expensive repairs. Contact Local Reliable Appliance Repair today at (866) 311-8590 to schedule a maintenance check-up and keep your AC running smoothly, no matter what the summer heat throws at you.
AC Maintenance: Manufacturer and Service Provider Recommendations
As the weather warms, many of us turn on our air conditioners for the first time in months. In order to ensure that your air conditioner remains in good condition and works efficiently throughout the summer and beyond, it is essential to take preventive action and properly maintain your air conditioner on a regular basis. Whether you are a homeowner looking to DIY or working with a professional HVAC technician, the following are manufacturer and professional recommendations to ensure your AC unit runs in optimal condition.
Regular Filter Changes
One of the most important maintenance actions to take when it comes to your AC is to replace and replace the filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter, a standard filter should be replaced every 30-90 days, while a washable filter should be thoroughly cleaned once a month. A clogged filter will not only reduce air flow, but can also cause the AC unit to overheat.
Clean All Condenser Coils
Dirt on the condenser coil is another common problem that can impede air flow and impede your air conditioner from working properly. To clean the condenser, first turn the power off to the AC unit. Then, use a soft brush and vacuum to remove the dirt and debris from the coils, taking care to not damage the delicate fins. A mixture of water and vinegar can also be used to remove tough dirt and debris from the condenser coils.
Check Air Ducts for Leaks
Air escaping through ducts or openings can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, leading to higher electricity bills and more wear and tear on the unit. Make an effort to inspect the air ducts on a regular basis to ensure that they are properly sealed and repaired if necessary.
Trim Back Overhanging Branches
Shrubs and branches that are too close to the AC unit can impede air flow and cause overheating. Trim any overhanging branches so that they are a minimum of two feet away from the AC unit.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Visits
Even with regular self-maintenance and filter changes, it is still important to have an annual professional maintenance visit. A professional HVAC technician will be able to detect any issues that you may have missed and perform any necessary repairs quickly and effectively before bigger problems develop.
Taking preventive action is the best way to avoid AC maintenance issues in the long run. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as performing regular maintenance and scheduling an annual professional inspection, you can be confident that your air conditioner will remain in optimal condition. If you need help with repairs or maintenance, contact a reliable local HVAC service provider for assistance.
Average AC Maintenance Cost for Repair or Installation in California
Cost of air conditioning maintenance and repair in California has increased by 20%. Depending on the complexity of the issue, repair or installation could range between the minimum cost of $100 and a more complex job with a price tag of up to $9,000.
Itemized costs of an AC maintenance job typically include materials and installation time. The cost of materials could vary widely, depending on components needed, while installation may be required if the issue is a complex one. This could add up to an increase in the total cost.
For the minimum repair or installation cost, expect to pay between $100 and $400, depending on the complexity of the issue. For a complex repair or installation job, the cost could be anywhere from $800 to $9,000.
If your AC has broken down, it is best to call a reliable AC repair service provider like Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating. They can diagnose the issue and offer an accurate quote for repairs.
To ensure your AC repair job is done efficiently and in the most cost-effective way, always call a reliable and experienced AC service provider.
The Advantages of Working with California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating
Are you looking to maintain the health of your air conditioner or heating system? If so, California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating can help.
This family-owned company offers same-day services for appliance and HVAC repair and installations. All technicians at California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating have a minimum of five years of field experience and are highly trained in AC maintenance.
The company is licensed and insured to provide AC maintenance. Furthermore, all repairs are backed by a 90-day warranty, and customers can trust that pricing is fair and affordable.
Overall, customers of California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating can expect prompt and reliable service. The company also takes pride in having friendly and accommodating service staff that will provide the very best customer service experience.
So whatever your AC maintenance needs may be, us Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating to get the job done right and at a fraction of the time and cost. Choose California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating and rest assured knowing you are in capable hands.
FAQ on AC Maintenance Tips – Keep Your AC Running
Q: How Can I Extend the Lifespan of my AC?
A: To extend the life of your AC, you need to keep it clean and well maintained. Regularly inspect and replace air filters, clean the condenser, and check for any debris near the unit. Ensure it is properly sealed and insulated. Additionally, scheduling regular professional maintenance is highly recommended.
Q: What Are Common Causes of AC Issues?
A: Common causes of AC issues include clogged filters, dirty evaporator coils, and blocked condensers. Additionally, thermostat issues and a lack of regular AC maintenance can also lead to decreased performance.
Q: How Often Should I Clean My AC?
A: Monthly cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal AC performance. However, for optimal performance, you should aim to clean your AC twice a year, at the start of the summer season and then again at the end of the season.
Q: What Should I Do if My AC is Not Working?
A: If your AC is not working, the first thing you should do is check the air filters. If they haven’t been changed, replace them. If the filters are clean, check to see if any debris is obstructing the unit. If the issue persists, then it would be wise to contact a professional AC repair service.
If you need assistance with AC maintenance or repair in the local area, call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590.