Your air conditioner is your best friend during those scorching summer months, keeping your home cool and comfortable. But to keep it performing at its best, you need to give it a little TLC. Just like any other machine, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently.
Without proper care, it can lose its efficiency, break down unexpectedly, and even drive up your energy bills.
To help you get the most out of your air conditioner, here are seven essential tips to keep it running smoothly, ensuring cool and stress-free summers for years to come.
1. Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly
One of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks for your air conditioner is keeping the air filters clean. Dirty or clogged filters force the unit to work harder, reducing its efficiency and even increasing the risk of breakdowns.
When air can’t flow freely through the system, it also affects the air quality in your home, spreading dust and allergens.
Most experts recommend cleaning or replacing your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the environment. If you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you may need to change them more frequently.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check and clean your air conditioning filter regularly. It’s a small task that makes a big difference in performance and energy savings.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit (the condenser) is exposed to the elements, so it’s bound to collect dirt, leaves, and debris over time. This debris can block airflow, making it harder for the system to release heat and function efficiently.
To keep your outdoor unit running smoothly, make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around it. Regularly clean off any leaves, grass clippings, or other debris that may have collected on or around the unit. You can gently hose it down to remove dirt, but be sure to turn off the power first.
Pro Tip: Trim back any bushes, trees, or plants near the condenser unit to ensure there’s plenty of space for airflow. A clear area around the unit helps it breathe and cool more effectively.
3. Check and Clean the Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils inside your air conditioner help absorb heat from your home’s air and cool it down. Over time, these coils can accumulate dirt, which reduces their ability to absorb heat, making the system less efficient.
If your evaporator coils are covered in dust or grime, they’ll struggle to cool the air effectively, and your air conditioner will have to work harder to do its job. You can clean the coils yourself by gently brushing them with a soft brush or using a coil cleaner available at most hardware stores.
For more thorough cleaning, it’s a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician handle it during an annual maintenance check.
Pro Tip: Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters will reduce the amount of dirt that makes its way to the evaporator coils, keeping them cleaner for longer.
4. Inspect and Clean the Drain Line
Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air; it also removes moisture from it. This moisture collects in a drain pan and is channeled away via the condensate drain line. Over time, this line can become clogged with dirt, mould, or algae, leading to water backup, leaks, and even system shutdowns.
To prevent blockages, regularly check the drain line for any signs of build-up. You can flush the line with a mixture of water and vinegar to clear any debris and prevent future clogs.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s a good idea to have it inspected during your annual maintenance check.
Pro Tip: If you notice water pooling around your indoor unit or if it’s leaking, it could be a sign that your drain line is clogged and needs immediate attention.
5. Seal Leaks in Ductwork
Even if your air conditioner is running perfectly, it can lose efficiency if there are leaks in your home’s ductwork. Leaky ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches your living space, making your system work harder and driving up your energy bills.
Inspect your ducts for any visible leaks or areas that may need sealing. You can seal small leaks yourself with duct tape or mastic sealant, but for larger issues, it’s best to call in a professional.
Properly sealed ducts ensure that cool air is distributed evenly throughout your home, improving efficiency and comfort.
Pro Tip: Check the insulation around your ducts as well. Properly insulated ducts prevent energy loss, especially in areas like attics or crawl spaces, where temperatures fluctuate.
6. Check the Thermostat Settings
Sometimes the issue isn’t with your air conditioner but with the thermostat itself. If your thermostat is outdated or not functioning properly, it can cause your system to turn on and off erratically or run inefficiently.
To ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly, make sure your thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
To stay comfortable while saving money, it is recommended to set your air conditioner to 78°F (26°C) during summer when you're at home.
Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, helping you save energy and reduce wear and tear on your unit.
Pro Tip: A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust the temperature even when you’re not home, ensuring maximum efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
7. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
While there’s plenty you can do to maintain your air conditioner, nothing beats a professional tune-up. Scheduling an annual maintenance check with a licensed HVAC technician ensures that your system is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and tuned up for optimal performance.
During a professional maintenance visit, the technician will check everything from refrigerant levels to electrical connections and ensure that all parts are working efficiently. They’ll also catch any potential issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.
Regular professional maintenance extends the life of your air conditioner, improves efficiency, and keeps your energy bills in check.
Pro Tip: Spring is the best time to schedule an HVAC check-up before the heat of summer puts your air conditioner to the test.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your air conditioner running smoothly doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular maintenance, a few simple cleaning tasks, and attention to detail, you can ensure your system stays in top shape, keeping your home cool and your energy bills under control. Whether you’re cleaning air filters, inspecting ducts, or scheduling professional check-ups, a little care goes a long way toward extending the life and efficiency of your air conditioner. Stay cool, and enjoy a worry-free summer!
