With summer just around the corner, your trusty air conditioner is about to get plenty of use. That said, in order for your system to run as efficiently as possible, it’s important to properly care for it. To provide insight into how to protect your HVAC, here are three helpful tips.

3 Steps for Maintaining Your Outdoor AC

1. Keep the Space Around the Unit Clear

For your HVAC unit to function properly, it needs to be able to circulate air freely without any blockages. To promote this, leave two feet of clearance around your system—enough room for it to breathe and for repairs to be performed when needed. This means avoiding planting flowers or bushes directly against the unit and regularly clearing out debris that winds up nearby.

2. Fence Off the Unit from Pets

If you have a dog, fence off your HVAC unit before letting them roam through the yard so they don’t lift a leg to it. Dog urine can potentially cause a Freon leak if it comes into contact with the unit’s condenser coils. This could also damage your air conditioner’s fins, which will translate into an inefficient system and higher energy bills.

3. Arrange for Maintenance

To ensure your HVAC runs efficiently, have an annual inspection. A licensed expert will check fluid levels and seals, inspect components, and check the accuracy of the thermostat to diagnose any potential issues, both internally and externally. Even if there is no imminent risk of a breakdown, by cleaning and lubricating certain parts, they’ll help the unit to work with less effort, giving it a longer life span.

Whether you’re in need of HVAC repair, maintenance, or a new installation, trust in the experts at Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling in the Tulsa Metro area. For 38 years, they have focused on offering personalized customer service to their residential, commercial, and industrial clients alike. This fully licensed, bonded, and insured company proudly employs NATE® (North American Technician Excellence) certified technicians and has consistently earned an A+ rating with the Tulsa Metro Better Business Bureau®. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, give them a call today at (918) 455-5993.