What Are Some Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips?

Now that Oklahoma summer is in full swing, many of us are running our air conditioners around the clock. But as you would maintain your car or any other mechanical device that gets a lot of use, you need regular check-ups and AC maintenance Norman, OK to keep your unit in tip-top shape.

Here are a few tips from the experts:

• Clean or replace the air filters. 

All air conditioners have filters to help remove airborne particles from the air that circulates through your home. These range from simple fiberglass pleated filters to sophisticated electrostatic or activated carbon filters. Regardless of which type you have, it’s important to check them monthly and clean or replace them as needed. A plugged filter will restrict air flow, causing your unit to work harder and use more energy. It can also lead to system failure and the need for repairs.

 

• Clean the coils and fins. 

The coils and fins on your AC's outside unit can collect dirt, debris, pollen, and even leaves. A good cleaning at least once a year will help keep your system operating efficiently. You can clean them yourself with a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush. Just be careful not to bend the fins! Otherwise, you can hire a professional to do the job and other AC maintenance Norman, OK tasks.

 

• Keep the area around your outdoor unit clean and clear. 

Your air conditioner’s outdoor condensing unit is designed to dissipate heat. If the area around the unit is cluttered with leaves, grass, or other debris, that heat can’t escape, causing the air cooling system to work harder and again, use more energy. In extreme cases, it can lead to a system failure. At a minimum, you should keep the area around your unit clear of debris and trim back any vegetation that’s close to it.

 

• Check the ductwork for leaks and seal as needed. 

The ductwork in your home circulates the air from your air conditioner throughout the house. If there is a presence of leaks, that cooled air can escape into attics or crawl spaces instead of circulating through your home. You may not be able to see the leaks, but you can often feel them. One way is to place your hand near a duct. If you feel cool air coming out, you have a leak that needs to be sealed. A simple use of duct tape can troubleshoot the issue. But for a complex AC maintenance Norman, OK or repair job, we recommend calling an expert.

 

• Get a programmable thermostat. 

Is your home empty during the day while everyone is at work or school? Do you want to be able to come home to a cool house without running the air conditioner all day? A programmable thermostat is one of the best investments you can make in your home’s comfort. You can set it to raise the temperature when you’re gone and lower it just before arriving home.

 

• Stay on top of air conditioner repairs. 

As with any mechanical device, your air conditioner will eventually need repairs. The best way to avoid a major breakdown is to stay on top of small repairs. When you notice something isn’t working right, don’t ignore it. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix.

 

• Invest in annual maintenance. 

One of the best things you can do for your air conditioner is to invest in annual AC maintenance Norman, OK. This involves a thorough inspection and tune-up of your system by a trained professional. They will clean the coils and fins, check the refrigerant levels, inspect the ductwork, and much more. It is an important step in keeping your system running smoothly and can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

 

Have the Experts Involved!

Although homeowners need to know how to take care of their air conditioners, some tasks are best left to the professionals. If you need AC maintenance Norman, OK or any other HVAC services, contact the Gober Heating & Air Conditioning experts at (405) 288-4742. Their training and experience make them the best choice for all your air conditioning needs.