Air Conditioner Maintenance – Do’s and Don’ts

Keeping these basic rules in mind when dealing with your AC unit will not only ensure that it will function effectively, but it will save you money and keep your home comfortable.

It may still be chilly in and around the St. Louis area, but warm weather will be here before we know it. This means you’ll be turning on your air conditioner soon. Air conditioning is a necessity in most homes, as it keeps indoor air at an optimal temperature, ensures airflow and controls the humidity levels in your house.

Modern air conditioning systems are designed to be user-friendly and even have a self-diagnose function to keep air conditioning repairs to a minimum. But, regular maintenance is still needed by any system.

Here is a thorough list of the most common do’s and don’ts of maintaining your HVAC system.

DO: Clean Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the most important rules to keep your air conditioning working well is to regularly clean or replace the air filters. All the air that gets inside your house will go through the filters, so you need them to be clean and unclogged all the time. Every manufacturer recommends a certain frequency for their AC model, but if you live in a polluted area you might want to do that even more often.

DON’T: Cover Your Outdoor Unit Completely

One of the maintenance rules that are often misunderstood is covering your outdoor unit during the cold season. Don’t cover it completely and don’t leave it cover throughout the winter. It prevents proper airflow. Covering your unit should only be done during autumn when there’s a lot of plant debris. Make sure to only shield it from above with a breathable material.

DO: Check Ductwork for Leaks

Many homeowners neglect their ductwork system and blame any malfunction on the equipment, but thorough maintenance includes checking the ducts for leaks and other issues.

DON’T: Ignore High Electricity Bills

Your air conditioning unit should be energy-efficient, especially newer models. If you notice your electricity bills going up, don’t ignore the AC unit, as it might be the cause. A lot of malfunctions can lead to poor efficiency and overworking.

DO: Schedule Annual Professional Check-ups

Hiring a professional team to do at least an annual check-up of your AC unit can save you a lot of money in the long run. Many AC problems are not easy to notice in the beginning, but a check-up will bring them out and solve them before they get worse.

DON’T: Attempt DIY Methods to Maintain or Repair Your HVAC System

The Internet is full of handy DIY projects, and many good ideas can be applied at home, but maintaining your HVAC does require a professional’s experience. Don’t attempt DIY repairs or maintenance operations if you are not 100% sure that you know what you’re doing.

DO: Replace the Thermostat Batteries When Needed

This may seem like a trivial issue to mention, but it happens very often. Remember to replace the thermostat’s batteries often, as programming it properly is crucial in your AC’s performance.

DON’T: Leave Your Air Conditioner on 24/7

Don’t rely only on your AC unit for your comfort. It should be put on stand-by from time to time, for its health as well as your comfort. Find ways of regulating your temperature that don’t rely on the AC unit.

Keeping these basic rules in mind when dealing with your AC unit will not only ensure that it will function effectively, but it will save you money and keep your home comfortable for years to come.

5 thoughts on “Air Conditioner Maintenance – Do’s and Don’ts”

  1. We’ve had aircon fitted in a loft conversion then had new carpet fitted the engineer that came out said we’d broke the sensor by the carpet fitters spraying glue (not that much glue as we couldn’t smell it) is this correct or is he s just trying to get out of a refund.

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  2. Your tips provide a clear roadmap for ensuring optimal performance while also helping to extend the lifespan of our AC units. Taking proactive steps to maintain our air conditioners not only saves us money on energy bills but also contributes to a more comfortable and sustainable living environment. Your guidance is much appreciated!

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