Summertime can be unbearably hot and humid in Washington State. On the worst days, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep you comfortable and allow you to sleep well. To that end, proper AC maintenance is essential. Here are the do’s and don'ts of air conditioner maintenance to keep your system operating smoothly.

Do:

Clear obstructions from the outdoor unit.

Indoors, the refrigerant absorbs heat as it turns to vapor. This chills the evaporator coils and cools the indoor temperature. Outdoors, the refrigerant releases the heat as it returns to liquid form in the condenser. Fans then expel the heat removed from indoors by blowing air over the hot condenser coils. If the vent ducts of the condenser unit are blocked by grass, debris, boxes, lawn chairs, or other obstructions, the AC won't work properly and could even overheat and shut down. Always keep two feet clear around the outside condenser unit.

Change filters.

The AC filters clear dust and pollen from inbound air. However, when the filter is clogged, it obstructs proper airflow through the system. This places undue wear and tear on your air conditioning unit and prevents cool air from reaching the thermostat. Change your filters every 60 to 90 days, or even more frequently if there are pets or a smoker in your household.

Don't:

Ignore high utility bills.

Keep an eye on your electric bills from summer to summer. Unless the cost of energy has increased dramatically over the past year, your monthly payments should be similar to those of last year. If you notice a spike in the cost, don't ignore it. It could mean something is wrong with your system and you're using more energy than you should.

Neglect yearly service inspections.

Just as your car needs regular tune-ups by a reputable mechanic, your air conditioning system needs service by an HVAC specialist. The technician will oil the motor, check and replace belts as necessary, and clean the blower and fan blades. It's best to schedule this in spring before the hot weather arrives so your system is in peak shape for the season.

For professional air conditioning maintenance and repair, contact Universal Refrigeration, an experienced heating contractor in Auburn, WA. They have served clients throughout King County since 1985. They specialize in air conditioning service, commercial refrigeration, and furnace repair. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (253) 939-5501 to arrange a consultation.