3 Things You Need to Know About Your New Air Conditioning Unit

With the continental US in the grip of an extreme heatwave, and the growing realization that these kind of climate events are going to become the new normal, you may be thinking about upgrading the AC in your home. A good air conditioning unit will ensure that you and your family are as cool and comfortable as possible when the mercury starts to climb.

However, while most Americans are used to seeing AC units in their homes, relatively few of us ever give any thought to their upkeep or maintenance. When we have a problem with our AC units, we tend to turn to professional repair people. But while the most serious issues will require the skilled hand of a qualified engineer, there are lots of things that any of us can do without any prior knowledge or skills to keep our AC units ticking along nicely.

Here’s everything you need to know about looking after your AC unit. Follow this advice to maximize the lifespan of your appliance and ensure that it is operating as efficiently as possible at all times.

Changing Filters

Many of the most common issues encountered with AC units can be traced back to old and clogged filters. The job of a filter is to, well, filter things. That necessitates the accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris that is flying through the air in your home. Your AC filters will prevent particulate matter from being circulated around your home through the AC itself, but the more it filters, the less efficiently it can work.

You should aim to change your AC filters around once every month, maybe even more frequently if it’s in heavy use. Alternatively, you can see if there are washable filters available for your unit. Washable filters mean that you can simply take them out and clean them every now and then, rather than having to buy a whole new filter.

How to Fix Leaks

There are some AC issues that, while being far from ideal, can either be fixed or patched up without the need to call in a professional. Air leaks in your system can occur because of damage or wear and tear, or because seals age and decay. AC units that are mounted in windows are notoriously difficult to seal properly.

The most common sign of leaks is a reduced airflow without any other obvious cause. You can identify any leaks for yourself by using the simple smoke trick. This involves lighting a stick of incense and holding it near to where the window frame and unit are joined together. If the smoke is disturbed and blown about the place, this indicates a leak.

You can use duct tape or foil tape to seal up any gaps in the seal. If you suspect that your unit might have suffered some internal or structural damage that is causing leaks, you should call in a professional repair engineer.

 

General Maintenance

Many air conditioning retailers will also offer you an annual cleaning service. If this is available, you should take them up on it. These cleaning services will go beyond simply changing the filters every now and then, and will ensure that your unit is healthy and working as it should be internally. There are a whole host of components inside an AC unit that can be cleaned and maintained to improve overall performance.

If you have any issues with your AC unit that don’t have an obvious cause, your first port of call should be the same as any other piece of tech - turn it off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, plug it back in and switch it back on. Most AC units will also have a dedicated reset button on them that you can use to speed up the process.

If you suspect a more serious issue with your AC unit, or you are unable to diagnose the cause of a problem on your own, then it may be time to call in a professional repair service. You can search online to find “ac repair near me”, as well as information about how you can keep your air conditioning unit maintained and reduce the chances of a breakdown.

An air conditioning unit should be adding to your comfort and relaxation, not adding to your daily stress and worry. Make sure that you are regularly cleaning or replacing your filters and that you address any issues when they arise, not when they spiral into something worse.