Belleville, Illinois, is known for its hot and humid summers. To ensure your home stays cool and comfortable during those sweltering months, it is important to keep up with regular air conditioner maintenance. While having a professional HVAC technician inspect your system at least once a year is the best way to maintain your air conditioner, there are also a few simple steps you can take on your own.

 

Belleville AC Tips

#1: Clean the Filter

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your air conditioner is to clean or replace its filter regularly. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and negatively affect your AC’s efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. A clogged filter can also put additional strain on your system’s components, potentially causing them to wear out faster.

To clean the filter, turn off your unit first and then remove the filter from its housing. Check for dirt, dust or debris accumulation on it. If it is covered with dust or dirt, try cleaning it with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment. If you have a washable filter type, rinse it in warm water and let it dry before reinserting back into its place.

Overall, cleaning or replacing your air conditioner’s filters periodically can help ensure that your unit runs smoothly throughout its lifespan while keeping indoor air quality high by removing pollutants such as pet hair, pollen and mold spores from circulating within your home.

#2: Scrub the Coils

The coils in your air conditioner play an essential role in its effective functioning. Over time, these coils can get clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This buildup restricts the airflow through the system and makes it harder for your AC to cool your home efficiently. To prevent this problem, you should scrub the coils regularly.

To clean the coils of your air conditioner, first turn off the power to the unit. Locate the access panel on your AC unit and remove it to expose the coils. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any debris from the fins of both evaporator and condenser coils. Then, use a coil cleaner spray that is specifically designed for AC units to finish cleaning each coil thoroughly.

By scrubbing your AC’s coils regularly, you can significantly improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan. Neglecting this critical maintenance task can lead to more significant issues down the line such as frozen evaporator coils or even compressor failure. Don’t neglect this important step in maintaining your air conditioning system!

#3: Keep the Condenser Area Cleared

Keeping the condenser area of your air conditioner cleared is an essential part of maintaining its performance. The condenser unit, typically located outside your home, is responsible for releasing the heat absorbed by the evaporator coils inside. Without proper clearance around this unit, it cannot release hot air efficiently and can cause your system to work harder than necessary.

To keep the condenser area cleared, start by removing any debris such as dried leaves or twigs that might have gathered around it. Ensure there are at least two feet of clearance on all sides of the unit for optimal airflow. Also, make sure that no objects like furniture or plants are obstructing its path.

Another thing you can do is clean the fins using a soft brush to remove any dirt buildup. This will help to optimize its efficiency and prevent future damages. With these simple maintenance practices in place, you can help extend the life of your air conditioning system while keeping energy bills low throughout summer months.

#4: Straighten the Fins

Straightening the fins is an essential aspect of air conditioner maintenance. The fins are those thin metallic blades that surround the exterior condenser, which plays a crucial role in releasing heat outside. Over time, these fins can become bent or damaged due to various reasons such as accidental contact with hard objects or exposure to strong winds. Bent fins restrict the airflow, leading to inefficient cooling and increased energy consumption.

To straighten the fins, you can use a fin comb tool designed for this specific purpose. These tools come in different sizes and styles suitable for various types of air conditioners. Gently run the comb through each fin, starting from one end to another, until all bent parts are flattened out. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or damage the delicate metal surface.

Regularly straightening your air conditioner’s fins can help keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. It is recommended that you inspect your AC unit’s condenser at least twice a year and straighten any bent fins using a fin comb tool as part of routine maintenance activities.

#5: Clean Ducts

Clean ducts are a crucial aspect of air conditioner maintenance. Over time, your AC’s air ducts can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can impact the quality of the indoor air you breathe. Dirty ducts can also reduce the airflow in your home or office space, leading to inefficiencies in your cooling system.

To clean your ducts, start by turning off the power to the HVAC system before removing the registers and grills on each vent. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove any visible dust or debris from inside the vent openings. You may also want to hire a professional cleaning service that specializes in duct cleaning for more thorough results.

Regularly cleaning your AC’s air ducts will help promote better indoor air quality while ensuring optimal performance from your cooling system. Remember to add this simple yet effective tip to your list of annual AC maintenance tasks for optimal comfort throughout the year!

Need Help with Air Conditioner Maintenance in Belleville?

At Ehret Inc., we understand the importance of regular maintenance when it comes to keeping your air conditioner working efficiently. Our comprehensive maintenance services include everything from cleaning and testing components to replacing filters and checking refrigerant levels. We’ll work with you to schedule routine appointments that fit your busy schedule, so you can rest easy knowing that your AC is in good hands.

Don’t wait until the heat of summer has arrived to start thinking about your air conditioning system. By scheduling regular maintenance appointments with Ehret Inc., you can catch potential problems early on and avoid costly repairs down the road.