Air conditioning is essential in hot weather, but in order to keep working at maximum efficiency it will need regular maintenance. This is best done by a qualified professional, but there are still a few checks you can make yourself.
Clean the filters
The first simple piece of maintenance you can do is to clean or replace the filters (depending on whether they are reusable). In hot weather, this will need to be done every month. These filters are designed to remove dust from the air. After a while though they will get clogged up with debris and the unit will have to work harder to cool your house down. To avoid this, brush the dust off and then wash the filters in warm soapy water. Rinse them off thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry before you fit them back into the unit. This should bring it back to full efficiency.
Clean the vents
Your air conditioning system draws the hot air out of a room and expels it out of a vent. Your system could have many such vents, and they are all prone to getting dusty, which will again stop the unit from working efficiently. It can also blow the dust back into your house, where it can contribute to allergies and respiratory problems. Fortunately, they are easy to clean. Just use warm soapy water, or if you like you can use an antibacterial spray. This should prevent dust and bacteria from building up.
Check for leaks
A third check you can make regularly is to make sure there are no leaks in the system. You should inspect any visible pipes and the unit itself. Don't try to open the unit though, as this could be dangerous and could invalidate your warranty. If you do notice any water leaking from the system, don't try to fix it yourself - get a professional to repair it properly.
Have it serviced
Finally, make sure you have your system serviced regularly by a qualified professional. Much of the necessary maintenance cannot be done by an untrained member of the public, and the unit may not function properly without proper attention. It is a good idea to get it serviced at the end of spring and autumn.
A few quick maintenance checks, along with a regular professional service, will ensure that your air conditioning system functions efficiently and safely throughout the year. Just call a maintenance service to find out more about how to keep your system working properly.
Reach out to a local air conditioning maintenance contractor to learn more.
