Learning About Furnace Upgrades and Repairs

Many people believe that once summer ends, you turn off the air conditioner and walk away. However, a few steps need to be taken at the end of the season to keep your HVAC system running at top performance. During the summer, it is common to push the capacity of your AC all season. It is essential to care for the appliance, just as you care for yourself after a hard workout. Failure to perform these five maintenance tips can shorten the life of your air conditioner.

Replace Air Filters

While your air conditioner is running, the air filter prevents pollutants from impacting the unit's performance. As the air filter becomes full of dirt and debris, airflow into your system becomes clogged. In addition, it is highly likely for those pollutants to enter your home. At the end of the season, you will want to replace all the air filters with new, high-quality filters. When shopping, talk to an HVAC specialist to determine the best option for your needs and your unit.

Clean Coils

It is common to have grass clippings, twigs, leaves, and other debris fall into your condenser cabinet during the summer. Debris can break down your air conditioner over time, and it prevents it from running at maximum efficiency. Generally, spraying the cabinet and coils with water is enough to cleanse the interior. After you have shut down the air conditioner for the year, clean it, and then cover it with a mesh cover to prevent further debris from falling into the unit.

Clean the Evaporator Coils

While dust and other debris collecting on the condenser and air filter reduce airflow, the evaporator coils must be cleaned to prevent mildew growth. As the airflow becomes diminished, the condenser will begin to clog. When you are spraying down the unit, make sure the drainage is adequately cleansed. In clogged lines, you will notice condensate back up through the air handler and create a pooling of stagnant water. These water pools bring mold and mildew growth, as well as mosquitos.

Check Thermostats

The best time to check on the thermostats' batteries and configuration is the end of winter and summer. The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, so you want to make sure it is running efficiently. Take the time to program it to keep you comfortable, but not tax your system. Read the manual and make sure it is reading the temperature correctly. If you have a smart system, consider checking for updates.

Professional Maintenance

Finally, the best HVAC systems have routine professional maintenance. Tune-ups include checking performance with equipment that delivers comprehensive information. Contractors specialize in identifying issues that lead to system failures over time. Hiring a professional to take preventative measures is the best way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently.

For more information, contact an HVAC cooling service in your area.