With summer just around the corner, ensuring your AC unit is functioning properly is important for keeping your home cool and comfortable. Maintaining your air conditioner also keeps it running at peak performance, saving you money on your home energy bills. Use the guide below for a few tips on getting your AC summer-ready. 

3 Tips For Summertime AC Maintenance

1. Change Air Filter

Your air conditioner's air filter improves your indoor air quality by capturing common allergens and pollutants as they're passed through the system, trapping and removing them from the air you breathe. Over time, dust and debris can build up on your air filter, bogging down your system, reducing its energy efficiency, and shortening the lifespan of your HVAC. Prevent this and keep your AC running smoothly by changing your air filter at the beginning of the Spring, then again each month until the end of Summer. 

2. Clean Outdoor Unit

In the fall and winter, when your air conditioner sits idle, it can collect leaves, twigs, trash, and debris that block the unit's ventilation, causing it to work overtime to supply energy, and cool air, to your home. If the buildup is bad enough, it can not only increase your energy bills but also cause the system itself to overheat, costing you in HVAC repairs. Before running your system for the first time, brush or pick out any leaves, tree limbs, or large debris by hand. Spray the unit clean with a low-pressure garden hose to wash away caked-on dirt, dust, or grime.

3. Check Drain Line

Your air conditioning system uses a condensate drain line that removes moisture from your home and drains it outside. If the drain line becomes clogged, water can back up into your home, allowing moisture to build up or water to accumulate, leading to mold, mildew, and even structural damage.

If this component becomes clogged, it can also trigger a safety switch in your AC unit, causing it to shut down.  When unclogging drain lines, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck the debris from the lines. For more severe blockages, consider hiring a professional. 

To get your AC summertime ready, contact the professionals at Hufford Heating & Air Conditioning in Milford, OH. With over 65 years of experience, this family-owned business proudly provides high-quality heating and cooling services including routine and seasonal maintenance, repairs, and installations. Contact them today at (513) 683-2040 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for detailed information on their services and equipment.