There’s a lot that goes into heating and cooling your home effectively. If you previously rented your residence, you’re probably used to your landlord or property manager handling your HVAC maintenance, but as a homeowner, you’ll need to address these issues yourself. It can be difficult to know what to do when you run into a problem, or how to take care of regular maintenance, if you don’t have experience doing so. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you figure out what to do. If you need some advice, read on to find out how to properly maintain your outdoor air conditioning unit.
How can you properly maintain your outdoor AC unit?
If you want to ensure that your outside AC unit is functioning properly all summer long, it’s important to know how to maintain it. One thing you’ll want to do on a regular basis is check the filters and replace them when necessary. Filters should be replaced every month or two, or as needed, to ensure that the AC unit is functioning at its best. Dirty filters can cause the unit to work harder and can also lead to decreased air quality. The overwork caused by dirty filters will also result in higher energy bills at the end of the month.
Your unit will need to be inspected the coils for dirt and damage as well. The coils can get dirty if the unit isn’t cleaned, and this can lead to decreased efficiency and performance. The coils can also be damaged if something hits them, so be sure to check for any signs of impact. If you find any dirt or damage, clean or repair the coils as required. You should also make sure to clear any debris from around the unit, and keep the area around it free of plants and other obstructions.
No matter what type of unit you have, you should schedule an inspection from an HVAC technician biannually. Remember that the average lifespan of an HVAC unit is between ten and fifteen years. If you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns or malfunctions with a unit that is over a decade old, you may want to talk to an HVAC professional about whether or not it’s time to invest in a replacement. It’s worth replacing your HVAC system, as newer models are typically more efficient and can save you money.
What else can you do to maintain a comfortable indoor climate?
A smart thermostat can make your HVAC system even more effective, in addition to being a great way to save energy and improve your overall quality of life. A smart thermostat can learn your habits and preferences, so it can automatically adjust the temperature to use the lowest amount of energy possible to maintain your preferred indoor temperature. You can also control your smart thermostat from your phone, tablet, or computer, so you can always make sure your home is comfortable. There aren’t really any downsides to installing a smart thermostat in your home.
If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, it will be difficult to maintain a reasonable temperature. To check your insulation, take a look in your attic. If you can see the joists or the attic floor, you probably need more insulation. If your home doesn’t have weatherstripping, it’s something you should consider. Weatherstripping can help retain warm air in your home during the winter and the cool air in your home during the summer. These are just a few options, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your home at your ideal temperature.
Maintaining an outdoor AC unit isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The best thing you can do is be proactive about preventive maintenance. That will help you avoid any unnecessary problems or breakdowns. If you do notice anything wrong with your air conditioning unit, you should call a technician right away. It can be tempting to try and repair it yourself, but you might end up making it worse or injuring yourself in the process. Upgrading to a smart thermostat is another good idea if you want to get the most out of your HVAC system. If you take care of your HVAC, it will take care of you.
