The cool relief of an air conditioner is always welcome on blazing summer days. To ensure your unit keeps working efficiently throughout the upcoming seasons, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance tasks. If you’ve been neglecting these, take a hint from the guide below.

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

1. Clean & Replace the Air Filter

A filthy, clogged air filter is sure to decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner. Reusable filters should be cleaned—either vacuumed or washed—every month during seasons of heavy use, and disposable filters should be replaced on the same schedule.

2. Inspect or Upgrade the Thermostat

If you have an older, non-digital thermostat, it’s worth upgrading to a newer model. With this technology, you can program the air conditioner to turn off or decrease in intensity when no one is home, and start cooling a little while before everyone returns. That way, everyone can walk into a comfortable environment.

3. Clean the Outside Unit & Clear Area of Growth

The outside components of your air conditioning system can’t operate properly if they’re clogged with dirt or leaves. Gently wash the unit with a hose to remove debris without damaging the coil fins. Similarly, plant growth too close to the unit can impede its air flow. Break out the shears and trim back any plants or branches that have gotten too close.

4. Schedule Annual Maintenance

Even if you’re diligent about performing air conditioner maintenance throughout the year, there’s no substitute for a professional inspection. Your air conditioning system should be examined by a qualified HVAC technician on a regular basis. These inspections will improve the system’s overall efficiency and fix issues before they become major problems.

Inman Heating & Cooling has been the go-to source for air conditioner service in the Columbia, IL, area for more than 50 years. With a team of highly experienced technicians, this company provides top-quality HVAC inspections and repairs to both residential and commercial clients. For more information, call (618) 281-5355 or visit the website today.