Everyone wants to stay cool when the summer heat rolls in, but no one wants to spend a fortune on their utility bills to do so. Luckily, there are ways to keep the home comfortable without breaking the bank, and it can be done by following these simple HVAC maintenance tips.

Do:

Clean the condenser.

This is an important HVAC maintenance task that can easily be done yourself to ensure the system maximizes its airflow. Make sure all of the fins are straight, and if you see any that are bent while performing the HVAC inspection, straighten them out using a butter knife. Then remove any built-up dirt or debris by blowing compressed air from the inside out. Finally, ensure that the area surrounding the unit is clear of sticks, weeds, or other debris for at least two feet.

Unclog the drainage hole.

The AC unit needs to remove condensation from the system to operate efficiently, but sometimes the drain becomes clogged and causes issues. Make sure that the moisture can drain freely by physically removing the obstruction or using a cleaning solution to allow for more efficient cooling.

Schedule regular maintenance.

While some HVAC maintenance can be done yourself, other tasks are best left to the professionals. That’s why it’s important to have an air conditioning and heating contractor come out for regularly scheduled maintenance. They have the knowledge needed to make sure all of the refrigerant levels are where they should be and inspect all of the electrical components.

Don’t:

Forget about the filters.

Because they are hidden within your home’s duct system, it’s easy to forget about the air filters, but it’s important to replace them every couple of months or so. The more the system is used, the more the filters get clogged with dirt, dust, and allergens, and this minimizes the airflow, forcing the system to work harder than it needs to.

Use the AC when it’s not needed.

One wasteful habit many people have is running the AC when they aren’t home or at night when it naturally cools down. Installing a smart thermostat fixes this issue. It’ll allow you to schedule exactly when the air conditioner should kick in so you can stay cool without being wasteful.

Neglect insulation.

No matter how efficiently the system is operating, if the home is not properly insulated, it’s still going to cost more than it should to cool off the home. Make sure all of the doors and windows are fully insulated to prevent the cool air from leaking out.

 

Make sure your system is ready for the summer heat by scheduling professional HVAC maintenance with the experts at Rapids Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their team of trained air conditioning contractors has serviced countless AC systems to make sure they are operating as efficiently as possible, and they can also perform new air conditioner installations to replace aging systems. Schedule a free estimate by calling (715) 421-5555 or learn more online.