Air Conditioning DIY Tips
You know it’s said that you can be “your own worst enemy?” Well, if that’s true, then it follows that you also can be your own best friend – right?
Here’s one example to help prove the point, one that involves your central AC system. Once it’s installed, you sit back and enjoy the “nice and cool” summer long, occasionally reminding yourself how much more efficient it is than the system you replaced, and how much you’re saving on your electricity bill.
But here’s what else you should be thinking about – how to keep it in top running shape. You see, to get the most from your investment in improved indoor comfort, a modest amount of DIY effort is required.
These are the primary steps you should undertake and turn into habits.
- Check your thermostat. If it runs on batteries make sure they still have some juice left in them. If the thermostat is outdated, consider replacing it with a programmable model.
- Inspect exposed ductwork for signs of cracks, gaps, and other damage that can result in air leaks and higher utility bills.
- Check that all air vents are open and free of obstruction and debris.
- Inspect the drain line, typically located in the attic or above the furnace. If it’s clogged, the water will back up in the drain pan and could result in serious damage to your home.
- Change your air filter every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. A clean filter will help improve operating efficiency and indoor air quality.
- Make sure your system is receiving power.
- Inspect the outdoor condenser unit periodically for leaves, vines, or debris that can block the interior components and negatively impact performance.
- Clean and straighten the outside unit’s fins. Sometimes fins accumulate a lot of gunk and dirt which are not easily removed with a brush. Instead, try using an old dinner knife to effectively scrape any stuck on debris between the fins, and to reshape any fins that are bent.
- Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet. Excess humidity also causes your system to work harder to keep you cool, makes sleep more difficult while causing other problems you’d rather not face.
And then there’s our role in the process, and that’s annual preventive maintenance. The highly trained and experienced HVAC technicians at Correct Temp maintain and repair all makes and models, including yours. If it’s been a year or longer since preventive maintenance was last performed, contact us today to schedule service.