5 AC Maintenance Tips to Increase the Performance of Your Unit
Keeping your AC running correctly can save you money on energy bills and help it last longer. In this article, we'll share five simple AC maintenance tips to increase the performance of your unit and keep it working at its best all year!
Clean the Condenser
The condenser coil is a critical part of the air
conditioning system. It's located outside and helps increase the performance of
your unit by releasing heat captured by the evaporator coil inside.
A dirty condenser can hamper the performance of your AC.
Grass clippings, leaves, mud, and other debris collect around the coil and
block it from functioning correctly. Fortunately, cleaning the condenser is a
simple process.
First, remove the metal shielding that covers the coil.
It has several screws attached, which you must remove before accessing the
coil. Next, once you gain access to the parts, you can clean the condenser. To know more about AC maintenance tips click here.
Clean the Evaporator
Keeping the evaporator coil clean is essential because it
affects the performance of your unit. For example, a dirty evaporator coil can
limit its heat-absorbing capacity and make your unit use more energy to cool
your home.
This buildup of dirt is often due to outdoor conditions
that interfere with the airflow around your AC system. For example, dirty
vents, grass clippings, fallen leaves, twigs, and pet hair can block airflow
around the condenser.
To avoid this issue, clean the evaporator coil twice a
year. This will prevent dust and debris from building up, which can cause the
evaporator to work less efficiently and increase your utility bills.
Check the Fins
If you're looking to increase the performance of your
unit, one easy way is by cleaning the fins. These grill-like aluminum strips
are located on the back of your AC, and they help push warm air away from the
condenser coils.
Over time, they can get bent and flattened from normal
wear and tear or by natural weather events like hail. This can prevent heat
from escaping and make your unit work harder to cool down the home.
Bent fins can be restored with a specialty tool called a fin comb. These combs come in different sizes according to how many fins per inch are on your unit and are available for indoor and outdoor units.
Check the Insulation
The insulation in your home plays a critical role in how
efficiently your heating and cooling system runs. Without the proper
insulation, thermal energy can escape your home and cause your HVAC unit to
work overtime.
Insulation is made from different materials, including
fiberglass batts, loose-fill fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, and spray foam.
Its R-value — or how much heat it can resist per inch of thickness — depends on
the material and your local climate.
Insulation in your home can help your heating and cooling
system run more efficiently and save you money on energy bills. However,
knowing which type of insulation is best for your home and how to install it
correctly is essential.
Check the Ductwork
The ductwork is a crucial part of your system that helps
to distribute air throughout the home. Therefore, keeping it clean and in good
condition is essential so your unit can perform adequately.
Ductwork can get dirty and accumulate a lot of dust and
other particles over time, making your system work harder and reducing
efficiency. A professional inspection by an HVAC expert can help determine if a
patch or seal is enough or if you need to replace your ductwork entirely.
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