The coolest thing about having a central air system is…well, staying cool. But a broken air conditioner can leave you feeling like a literal hot mess. Having no AC is never fun, but you can avoid of a break ? or melt ? down with regular central air repair and maintenance.
Routine and seasonal air conditioning maintenance goes a long in terms of the performance and longevity of your home’s cooling system. Sure, it can be easy to procrastinate when it comes to maintenance, but just think about how hard it is when you have no air conditioning on a hot day? Making a habit of routine air repair and maintenance can also save you money on your energy bill because it allows your system to operate efficiently.
You can also save money by performing some certain repairs and maintenance tasks on your own. While major HVAC repairs should always be performed by an experienced professional, some air conditioner repairs make for a perfect DIY project.
Take a look at how easy these DIY central air repairs are!
Changing the air filter
This is a small task that has a big impact on the overall function and integrity of your entire HVAC system. A clogged air filter not only deteriorates the air quality of your home, but it also poses a serious threat to your HVAC system and lead to costly central air repairs down the road. Air filters should be changed per the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is typically at least once a month during high-use seasons such as summer, and once before the beginning of fall and spring. It takes only a few minutes to do but has a lasting effect!
Clean the outside unit
Debris such as dirt, pollen, leaves, and grass trimmings can build up on the condenser and restrict air flow. This decreases the systems capacity and will eventually lead to central air repairs or an entire system shut down. Keeping the outside condenser is a simple job, but nevertheless an important one. You can gently clear debris away with a garden hose. You should also trim any plants or shrubs around the condenser to encourage proper air flow.
Learn how to program your thermostat
When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you money on your monthly energy bill and reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your home’s heating and cooling systems. Programming your thermostat allows your home to be kept at a comfortable temperature, while conserving energy on heating and cooling when no one is home.