Your AC unit maintains a steady temperature in your house year-round and improves air quality to help create a comfortable atmosphere. With a little bit of maintenance, it can effectively perform these tasks for years, which saves you the money of replacing it. Here are a few steps you can take to lengthen its life span.

Do:

Schedule annual maintenance.

To prevent problems, hire a service to inspect your AC unit and the rest of the system. This should be performed at regular intervals, at least once a year. If you start to experience problems with your system—such as energy inefficiency or rattling noises—schedule an inspection right away.

Change air filters and clean the vents.

Your AC unit’s air filter screens dust, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air. Generally, it should be changed every 1 to 6 months, but the frequency will depend on how often you run the system and whether you have pets, kids, or other factors that may cause the filters to work harder.

If you aren’t certain whether it needs changing, perform a visual inspection; check whether the surface of the filter is obscured by dust. Likewise, clean off the vent when you notice dust collecting on it. These tasks will help improve the air quality.

Don’t:

Neglect to investigate odors.

If strange smells emanate from your system, you may have a mold problem. Mold produces air pollutants that are generally harmful, especially to anyone who suffers from asthma or other respiratory conditions. Do a visual check of the vents or hire a professional service if you can’t find the source of the smell. 

Attempt to perform repairs yourself.

Unless you’re trained, it’s a bad idea to attempt DIY repairs on your own HVAC system. You could inadvertently cause further damage, resulting in a much higher price tag for the eventual repairs. In the end, it’s safer and more cost effective to leave it upkeep to the professionals.

Seeking residential or commercial services for AC unit maintenance, HVAC installation, and other general heating and cooling needs? The experts at Donovan & Jorgenson can help. Since 1985, they’ve served the Milwaukee area with first-rate services that have earned them an A+ rating with the BBB®. Learn more about the company by visiting them online.