Tags: Sarasota AC, Sarasota AC Company, Sarasota AC Maintenance, Sarasota AC Repair, Sarasota Air Conditioning
Predictions state that 2023 is due to be a warm year in the US.
AC units have a habit of malfunctioning when you need them most. This isn’t just due to Murphy’s law. During the hottest months of the year, your unit will have to work double time to keep your home cool.
Leaving your HVAC system to labor along without proper maintenance isn’t just a recipe for being left in the lurch when temps climb. It can also be detrimental to the unit and shorten its lifespan.
Read on to keep your system in peak shape with this AC maintenance checklist.
Check Your Filters
One of the first AC maintenance tasks you can carry out as a homeowner is to regularly check your HVAC unit’s air filters. If the air filters are clogged, your system will have to work harder to pump out cool air.
If the vents in your home are coated in dust, this is a strong sign that the air filter might need cleaning or replacement. Aim to check your filters every three months, or every month if your HVAC system is running 24/7.
Keep Your Exterior Condenser Unit Clear
Data shows that roughly 90% of homes in the US have an AC unit. Many AC units have an exterior compressor unit. A lot of homeowners don’t realize that the compressor unit and its condenser need to be kept clean and free from debris.
Start by clearing away any leaf litter from the unit. You can also unscrew the top cover, and brush away or vacuum up any accumulated leaves and dirt. Make sure you turn the compressor off before doing this.
Straighten Any Bent Fins
While you’re cleaning your compressor unit, you can also check the condenser for broken and bent fits. If you spot broken fins, you will need to call in an HVAC service to come out and do a repair.
However, if some of the fins are just bent, you can gently push them straight. Start by hosing down the fins to dislodge any dirt build-up. Then gently insert a flat-head screwdriver or a butter knife and carefully straighten out the bent fins.
Check Your Air ducts
If you want a well-functioning AC system, you should also inspect the air ducts every so often. Leaky or clogged air ducts can drive down the efficiency of your system and cause it to work harder than it needs to.
Therefore, make it a point to examine your ducts for water damage, holes, corrosion, and pest infestations. If you find any damaged ductwork, you can then call in an AC maintenance company to come and replace that section of ducting.
Do You Need AC Maintenance Done?
Completing the tasks on this checklist will reduce the need for unexpected repairs and help to lengthen the lifespan of your unit.
However, there are some AC maintenance tasks you don’t want to attempt as a homeowner. If your system is in need of professional AC repair, we are the people to speak to.
Contact Swartz Air Conditioning and Heating to book a service.