AC Maintenance Tips: Keep Your AC Unit Running Smoothly

The summer heat is here, and staying comfortable at home starts with a reliable air conditioner. But to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly, regular maintenance is a requirement. Understanding the fundamental principles of air conditioner is an essential skill for every homeowner. That way, you’re always prepared for any small problems that may arise with your HVAC system, such as a unit that is no longer cooling or one that is making strange noises. Lucky for you, the technicians at Local Reliable Appliance Repair have put together a summary of AC maintenance guidelines to make your summer nice and cool.

Start with Regular AC Filters

The air conditioner is designed to recapture dust and other particulates from the air passing through it, which means the filters needs to be checked regularly. These filters are usually found behind the return air ventilation cover and is generally accessible by simply lifting the cover. The cleanliness of the filters will depend on how much dust and dander is in your home. Regardless if you live in a desert or a city with high humidity, the filters should be checked at least every three months and more often in a more dusty environment.

Checking Refrigerant Levels

Your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels are essential for proper AC functioning. The low refrigerant warning sign is usually indicated by a drop in output from the AC. With no refrigerant, the air conditioner doesn’t blow cold air. It is therefore important to score the refrigerant level as part of regular AC maintenance. Refrigerant levels are assessed through the AC monthly or bi-monthly depending on the condition of your AC unit and other factors. If there’s a huge drop in refrigerant levels, then a qualified technician should be called in to assess the level and the safety of your air conditioner’s cooling system.

Handle Condensate Drain Cleaning Properly

This process also requires thorough AC maintenance as clogs can lead to improper cooling and worse, mold. Most clogs form by standing water and matter such as dirt, mold, and algae. To ensure good air quality, your air conditioner’s drain needs to be cleaned regularly. This involves the use of a condensate pump and a vacuum hose. To perform, start by unplugging the drain line from the air conditioner, and suck out the debris before reconnecting the line and running the AC.

Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

If you own a split unit model, you should take the time to clean the outdoor unit as well. To do this, start by cutting off the power, then spray down and clean your outdoor unit with a hose. Be sure to use only a mild cleaning solution so as not to corrode any parts of the AC. Remember to also clean and straighten out any surrounding bushes and tree branches.

Get Professional Help

If you cannot perform the maintenance work yourself, the professionals at Local Reliable Appliance Repair are here to help. From a complete AC unit check-up to Replacing or Repairs parts or dealing with refrigerant levels, our licensed technicians can handle any Air Conditioning issue that may arise. Call us now at (866) 311-8590 for fast and friendly Air Conditioning Repair services!

AC Maintenance Tips for Preventive Action

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running in tip-top condition. To ensure that your AC unit is running as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent any problems from arising. Here are some essential AC Maintenance Tips to extend the life of your air conditioning system and save money on your cooling costs.

Clean Your Filters
Change your AC unit’s air filters regularly – at least once every three months – to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible. A clogged filter will reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to work harder to cool the air passing through it, resulting in higher utility bills.

Check for Leaks
Check your AC unit for any visible signs of air leakage. When air is drawn into your home, it should be passing through the AC’s filter, not through any holes or cracks in the venting system. Leaks can significantly increase your energy costs and reduce the effectiveness of the air conditioning system.

Check for poor indoor air quality
Check for poor indoor air quality that can be caused by airborne particles like pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores that may have collected in your home’s ductwork or air filter. If you find any signs of poor air quality, turn off the AC system and call a HVAC technician for a tune-up and cleaning.

Check the Thermostat

Check your air conditioning system’s thermostat to ensure that it is running properly and accurately. If any settings have been adjusted, they may affect the efficiency of your system and your cooling expenses. Ensure that all the thermostat’s settings are accurate so you can enjoy comfortable temperatures in your home without paying more than necessary.

Schedule an Annual Tune-up
Get your air conditioning system professionally inspected and serviced by a reliable local HVAC technician once a year, or twice a year if you live in a high-temperature climate. An annual tune-up helps maintain the efficiency of your system, identify potential problems, and reduce your energy costs.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

The outdoor components of your AC unit require regular maintenance to ensure it is running optimally. Check for any obstructions blocking the outdoor unit, such as plants, debris, and furniture. In addition, clear away any dirt, mold, or moss from the outdoor unit, and make sure the condenser and evaporator coils are clean and free from dirt and grime.

Check the Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your AC system must be checked regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level. If the refrigerant is too low, your system will not be able to efficiently cool your home, resulting in higher energy costs. A qualified HVAC technician should check the refrigerant level annually, and refill or replace it if needed.

By following these AC maintenance tips, you can prevent a multitude of problems and extend the life of your air conditioning system. Be sure to call a reliable HVAC technician for an annual inspection and tune-up to keep your system running optimally and help you save money in energy costs.

Average Cost to Repair AC Maintenance Tips in California

If you’re living in California and your air conditioning system is suffering from quick maintenance needs, it’s important to understand the average repair cost that you can expect. However, with prices up 20%, customers should expect to pay more than they did previously.

For complex repair and installation needs in California, customers should budget for an itemized list of the necessary parts and materials.

The Minimum Cost

Assuming prices have increased by 20% since the onset of the issue, the minimum repair cost for AC maintenance tips should be between $50 and $100.

However, for a more comprehensive repair – and one that is likely to provide a more permanent solution – more extensive repairs and installation are likely to be necessary, and the costs will be more expensive.

More Advanced Repairs and Installation

For more advanced repairs and installations, customers should budget between $250 and $500. Depending on the age and design of the existing system, the available features and installation costs can vary greatly.

The parts and materials necessary for varying repair and installation needs can include, but are not limited to, air filters, duct liners, duct cleaners, HVAC parts, condensers, air coolers, and more. Knowing which parts and materials are necessary for a successful repair and installation will help to accurately determine the budget for a particular project.

For an accurate assessment of the required repair and installation costs, customers should connect with a reliable air conditioning and heating provider, such as Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating (866-311-8590).

Don’t let expensive repair costs get in the way of fixing and maintaining your air conditioning system. Reach out to a reputable, local provider for an accurate assessment and timely resolution of AC maintenance costs.

Click here to call Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating.

Essential AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Air conditioning is essential for comfort during hot summer days, and like any other appliance, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help California homeowners with all their cooling needs.

Our family-owned business offers same-day service for appliance and HVAC repair and installations. Our highly trained technicians have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field and are up to date with AC maintenance tips and standards. We provide fair and affordable pricing, and our services are backed by a 90-day warranty.

Here are our top AC maintenance tips for homeowners:

• Clean or replace air filters: Dirty air filters can cause airflow obstruction and reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Check the filters every 30 to 60 days and replace them if they are dirty.

• Clear away any obstructions: Clear away any lawn furniture, plants, or other items that are blocking the air intake grilles on the outside of your home.

• Hose off the outdoor condenser: The condenser needs to be kept clean to ensure efficient cooling. Use a garden hose with a nozzle sprayer to rinse off the dirt and debris from the outside condenser at least once a month.

• Check and clean evaporator coils: Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the evaporator coils and reduce cooling efficiency. Remove the top of your air conditioner and clean the evaporator coils with a soft-bristle brush.

• Schedule regular maintenance: Have a professional HVAC technician come out to inspect your system once a year. This will help identify any issues early before they lead to costly repairs.

Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help you keep your air conditioner in optimal running condition. Our certified technicians are available for same-day service and will provide the necessary AC maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today for an appointment!

FAQ – AC Maintenance Tips: Keep Your AC Unit Running Smoothly

Q: What are AC Maintenance Tips?

AC maintenance tips are essential for keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently. Proper maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and expensive energy bills. Some of the most common tips include changing the air filter, checking the condenser coils, and cleaning the AC unit regularly.

Q: How can I change the air filter?

Changing your air filter is an important part of regular maintenance. First, make sure that the power to your AC unit is turned off. Then, open the access panel and locate the air filter. Change out the old filter with a new one and close the panel.

Q: How often should I check the condenser coils?

It is recommended to check your condenser coils every three to four months. Make sure that they are free of dust, dirt, and debris. If necessary, use a garden hose to flush the coils from the outside.

Q: How often should I clean my AC unit?

Cleaning your AC unit should be done at least once a year. First, remove any debris like leaves and twigs from the unit. Then, wipe down the condenser coils and use a vacuum to remove dust. Finally, spray the coil with a mild vinegar-water solution and rinse with a garden hose.

For any further questions or setup and installation, call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590.