An air conditioning unit is just like any other expensive piece of equipment you own.
Think of it like a car. When you have a car, you fill it up with gas every week or so, take it through the carwash and vacuums, and schedule oil changes every 5,000 miles. You also schedule routine, preventative maintenance: your 40,000, 70,000, and 100,000 mile checks.
Imagine if you just drove your car without ever taking these preventative steps — you’d drive it into the ground.
The Importance of AC Maintenance
We don’t think of air conditioning units in the same way, but we really should. Indeed, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, routine AC maintenance can lower your home energy consumption by between 5-15 percent.
Plus, being more consistent with routine maintenance means saving timely and costly HVAC repairs further down the line.
Air Conditioner Filters
When it comes to AC installation and repair, the most important task involves routinely replacing or cleaning filters. When a filter is dirty, it’s, well…dirty! All sorts of pet dander, outside allergens, and dust particles hangout on the filter, leading to poor air quality and reduced system efficiency. It’s the same as trying to run a few miles with a really stuffy nose — the more clogged your air conditioner is, the harder it is to operate at 100 percent.
You should clean your filters every month (or at least two months) in the summer. The filter location depends on what type of air conditioner unit you have. Central air conditioner units have filters along the duct, while other units house filters in the wall, ceiling, furnace, or unit.
It can be hard to even locate your air conditioner filter. If this is the case, be sure to hire a professional HVAC company to help. They can perform this routine maintenance effectively, and they can also do a check-up on your air conditioner unit.
Air Conditioner Coils
AC maintenance isn’t as easy as replacing or cleaning a filter. You also have to clean the inner components of the air conditioner, such as the air conditioner coils.
Both the evaporator coil and condenser coil, even though they’re located inside the system, tend to accrue dust, dirt, and dander. You should clean your coils every year, especially if you have a pet or have the unit positioned near outside debris.
Coil Fins
Coil fins are small, pliable coils that help manage airflow. They can be easily bent and therefore block air flow. As such, checking on coil fils should be a part of your routine air conditioning maintenance.
Cool City Air Conditioning in Los Angeles
As this overview shows, proper air conditioning maintenance isn’t necessarily a walk in the park. To ensure that all parts of your unit have been properly maintained, your best bet is to hire an HVAC professional.
At Cool City Air Conditioning, El Monte’s Top Rated Local® HVAC Company, we offer filter maintenance services in addition to AC installation and HVAC repair.
To ensure your AC keeps you cool in the Los Angeles heat this summer, schedule an appointment with Cool City Air Conditioning today.
