If your air conditioner is getting up in years, you don’t want to make the mistake of waiting until the last possible moment to get it repaired. But before you call the best air conditioning repair services in Richmond VA to make sure your air conditioning system is ready for the summer months, there are a few things you might want to check first. Even if your AC isn’t working as efficiently as it could be, there are plenty of maintenance tips you can take advantage of to make sure you get the most out of your machine. There’s no point in overpaying for service if you’re only getting the slightest trickle of cool air coming from your unit. Before the dog days of summer set in, you need to make sure you’ve prepped your AC unit for the steamy months ahead. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your air conditioner no matter what.
Keep It Clean
The first step to having a reliable, smoothly-running machine is to keep it clean and free of any buildup that could impair function. This doesn’t take much: In fact, all you have to do is make sure your air conditioner and the surrounding area gets cleaned at least once a week. If you’re noticing any buildup when you lift the machine’s “hood,” you might need to call in a professional. However, if you keep up with maintenance, you should be able to keep your unit working smoothly without any outside intervention. Still, keeping your unit clean isn’t about running a wet towel over the surface every now and again. Ideally, cleaning your unit would mean taking the time to make sure everything looks good and that your filter is clean. If you hear any strange sounds coming from your unit, take the time to check inside and see if you can visually identify the problem.
Check Out Back
AC maintenance doesn’t just involve cleaning the indoor portion of your unit. If you have a unit that sits on the ground floor or is easily accessible, you should also be checking the outside area for fallen debris like leaves and twigs. If you haven’t used your AC since summer, chances are the winter weather has sent a fair amount of buildup your way and caused the back of your unit to be exposed to dirt, dust, debris, and other harmful elements. Take a moment to check the back of your unit and clean off any obstructions. You can also take this opportunity to make sure there’s nothing bigger that could potentially be blocking airflow. Even something small could be enough to impair function and lead to more serious problems for your AC.
Change Out the Filter
Every so often, you’ll need to change out your air conditioner’s filter. If you have filters handy, it will help this job go more quickly. If you’re not sure what type of filter to buy, it’s best to refer to your owner’s handbook or do a quick online search. No matter what kind of machine you have, you should be changing out your filter at least every few months, and cleaning it every week. When dirt and dust start piling up on your filter, it doesn’t just impact your AC’s function. It can also cause the cool air filtering through to your home to be dirty, dusty, and full of unpleasant allergens that shouldn’t be clogging up your home. Your AC should be a reliable source of clean, cool air to your home, not a way for more dirt and dust to fit their way inside and weaken your air quality.
Keep Your Ears Open
AC maintenance isn’t just about cleaning. Inspecting your unit for problems before they crop up is a huge part of keeping your machine in great working order. If you hear any loud sounds that are unusual, such as banging, clanging, or buzzing, you might want to call in the professionals to take a closer look. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, getting an AC repair company in there before the hottest days of summer take hold is a much wiser move than waiting until the last minute. Even if you can identify the problem yourself, you should still call in the professionals before trying to fix it yourself. Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of leaving it until the last minute. When your AC is in great working order, you’re guaranteed a hassle-free summer full of cool, air-conditioned comfort.
