4 Important AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 11:56 pm

Air conditioning plays a vital role in making our homes, offices, and other buildings livable. In much of the country, the summer months can get pretty uncomfortable if you don’t have a good air conditioning system. 

Most of the time, we don’t give much thought to our home’s cooling (or heating) systems–until something goes wrong. To avoid the possibility that your air conditioning won’t work when you need it most, regular maintenance is key.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important AC maintenance tips to keep everything running smoothly. Some of these are things most homeowners can easily take care of on their own, while others might require the help of a trained HVAC professional. 

AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Schedule Regular Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your air conditioner is working properly is to schedule regular check-ups of your AC system. There are many benefits that come with this simple yearly check.

If your air conditioning hasn’t been working as effectively as it used to, maintenance by a professional can often restore your AC effectiveness and help prevent any future problems.

You’ll also save money with regular HVAC check-ups, especially on electricity bills. That’s because an efficient, well-maintained system uses less energy than an inefficient one. 

Professional air conditioning maintenance is not something you’ll be able to handle on your own. Hire a reputable company by getting referrals from friends and family or looking online. You can search the internet with a simple phrase like “HVAC in Palo Alto,” or whatever city you’re in, to find a list of local companies. Then, most importantly, you’ll want to carefully read the reviews.

Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important components of any air conditioning system. You need to change (or clean) it often. Most home HVAC systems use disposable air filters that you’ll need to replace on a regular schedule. For the most common one to two-inch filters, replace them every one to three months. (It might be helpful to set a reminder on your phone.)

Some AC systems come with a reusable air filter. If you have that kind of filter, you’ll simply clean it when it gets dirty, rather than replace it. 

Replacing or cleaning your air filters is vital in ensuring that your heating and cooling system’s airflow is not interrupted. This can keep your indoor air cleaner, help your system work more efficiently, and lower your utility bills.  

Clean the Outside

Many people forget that a part of their air conditioning system sits outside the house and is exposed to the elements. The unit can become dirty and clogged with debris, like dead insects, leaves, dirt, dust, and grass clippings.

If these items build up in and on the AC unit over time, your system won’t work as efficiently.  

Cleaning this part of your AC system is not difficult. You can do it on your own. Using your hands, just remove any debris that’s accumulated. Use a garden hose to loosen up any dirt, leaves, and other materials as needed.

Making this part of your seasonal yardwork, along with replacing your air filters regularly, are simple things you can do yourself to avoid many of the most common air conditioner problems.

Check Your Thermostat

Finally, when it comes to AC maintenance tips, we can’t forget to mention the thermostat. Of course, the thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your house. 

Many people now have programmable or smart thermostats. These can save energy (and money) since they can be set up to adjust the temperature automatically at night or when no one is home. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, it may be something to consider.

Your heating and cooling system plays a crucial role in making sure that your home is comfortable no matter what the season. By implementing just a few simple AC maintenance tips, you can help ensure it runs smoothly for years to come.

Also read:
Free LED Bulbs and Energy Conservation Kits
6 Quick Tips to Conserve Energy at Home (and Save Money)

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