Beat the Summer Heat with Easy A/C Maintenance

Remember winter? You know, those days when you wished for just a little warmth as you pulled your down comforter close. As you can see, you should be careful what you wish for. It seems that summer can easily turn into a game of “how fast can you hop from one air conditioned space to the next?”

Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but it is hot. Just ask your A/C unit. When is the last time you checked on it? It’s probably a good time to run through a few basic A/C maintenance steps to make sure your unit keeps running smoothly through the rest of our hot weather. (These tips courtesy of the EPA.)

  • Every month, clean or change the air filter. This is a simple, yet very important A/C maintenance task that we can easily forget. A dirty filter means your machine will neither last as long nor cool as efficiently as it should.
  • Double check all the electrical connections to make sure they are tight. You can even check the current and voltage on the motors if you have the right tools. A problem with an electrical connection will shorten the life of the components in your unit.
  • Is your thermostat working properly? It should turn on and off at the right temperatures and times. This might also be a good time to see if you can adjust your thermostat a little higher to lower your electricity bill a bit.
  • A clean coil is an efficient coil. Grab a hose with a shower setting (jet sprays can damage the coils) and some coil cleaner and go to town. You unit will cool better, and there will be less wear and tear on your unit.
  • A clogged drain pan can harbor dirty enemies—mold and bacteria. Take a few minutes to clean it out and unclog the drain if necessary.
  • Clean the blower to facilitate better airflow. The more air that your system displaces and the faster it does it, the sooner your house cools down. If it takes your unit less time to do its job, it will cost you less on your electric bill.
  • Have a technician check the refrigerant pressure of your unit. If you’ve noticed that it’s not quite as cool in your house as it used to be, it may need to be recharged.

Here are some other tips to keep your house cooler. Clear out any bushes that may be blocking air flow to your A/C unit. Shut your curtains or blinds during the day. You may also consider installing double-pane windows to keep the cold air in.

After you’re done, kick back and relax in the cool air, and appreciate the fact that if you want the heat, it’s still out there.

Home Comfort services the Mishawaka/South Bend areas of Indiana.