Given the hot summers in Michigan, most homeowners run their air conditioners until late September and easily forget about air conditioner maintenance until it’s too late. What if you had air conditioner maintenance tips to guide you? Did you know the neglect of your AC costs you in the long run?
Fortunately, A-1 Mechanical’s qualified HVAC technicians help you catch small issues before they turn into expensive air conditioning repairs or worse, breakdowns. Air conditioning service also ensures your unit runs as efficiently as possible which saves you money on energy bills.
To make preventive maintenance super easy, join one of our maintenance plans. We offer a couple of options for homeowners and customized plans for commercial HVAC clients.
Continue to learn our 5 best air conditioner maintenance tips.
1.) CHANGE AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS
We often sound like a worn out 45 record on this topic, but it’s so important. As the name suggests, air conditioner filters block dust and other airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet hair and dander.
However, if the filter is clogged, it can’t continue to do its job. A dirty filter blocks airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder to produce the same amount of cool air. Check it monthly and change the air filter if it’s dirty.
Don’t be surprised if you have to replace your filters more often during the cooling season. Early spring in Michigan means more mold spores are in the air as the ground thaws and exposes damp and decaying leaves.
As the weather warms tree pollen and other triggers join the allergy party. Changing an air conditioner filter is simple. One way to remember is to check each month when your utility bill arrives. If you’re unsure, ask your HVAC technician next time he or she visits for a tune up.
2.) CLEAR DEBRIS FROM THE OUTDOOR UNIT
Be sure to clear the outdoor AC unit of anything which blocks the heat transfer needed to cool your home. During the autumn, it’s common for fallen leaves to cover your AC unit.
Likewise, make sure the AC unit is clear of grass clippings after mowing your lawn. It’s also wise to avoid cutting grass while the compressor is running, if possible. You don’t want clippings getting sucked into the AC compressor.
Walk around the AC unit after severe weather and clear away yard waste like fallen leaves and twigs. Also, landscape carefully. Avoid the temptation to camouflage the AC unit with shrubbery or fencing.
AC compressors should have two to three feet of clearance for optimal airflow. Why is this important? When debris blocks the outdoor air conditioning unit, the system uses more energy to produce the same amount of cool air.
The energy efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioner decreases when it’s forced to work so hard. To save money on your next energy bill, make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit.
3.) CLOSE BLINDS AND RUN FANS
We recommend keeping the blinds closed during the hottest part of the day when the sun reaches its peak. The heat carried by the suns rays quickly heats up your home and makes it uncomfortable during the summer months.
Fans, however, circulate cool air throughout your home to create a wind chill effect. Don’t pay to run the fan if no one’s in the room because they don’t cool the room. They cool the people in it by speeding evaporation of perspiration.
If you live in a two-story house, you’ll want to place extra fans on the second floor. Fans can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the summer while reducing stress on your air conditioning unit.
You might consider planting deciduous trees or shrubs. In the summer, they block direct sun from your south-facing windows. In the winter, when they’ve lost their leaves they let the warmth of the sun inside.
4.) OPEN WINDOWS ON COOL DAYS
Your air conditioner will last longer if you only use it on hot days. When the temperature is cool outside, shut off the AC and open up all the windows. The cool fresh air will help you save money that you would have otherwise spent on running your air conditioner.
During early summer, you may be able to get away with leaving the windows open in the mornings and evenings. However, the opportunities to let in cool fresh air quickly fade by the time summer arrives and are less of an option if you live with allergies.
5.) INVEST IN AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
No homeowner wants to pay for premature air conditioning replacement, which is why we recommend investing in maintenance. It’s truly one of our best air conditioner maintenance tips!
Our HVAC technicians catch minor issues before they snowball into expensive and inconvenient repairs. Air conditioners with regular maintenance run efficiently, cost less to run and last longer.
SAVE MONEY WITH REGULAR AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE FROM A1-MECHANICAL IN LANSING & GRAND RAPIDS
If you are interested in our residential air conditioner repair or a maintenance tune up, please feel free to call our team at (517) 348-0302.
A-1 Mechanical is here to save you money with regular service, comprehensive inspections and quick repairs.
Take these air conditioner maintenance tips and call us with questions. It’s important to handle issues right away. They only get worse and more of a hassle. If you or a family member depend on air conditioning, humidity control or air quality for health reasons, be sure to call right away.
You’ll find us in the Grand Rapids area, including Hudsonville, Byron Center, Grandville, Jenison, Walker, Kentwood, Plainfield, Cutlerville, Wyoming, Comstock, Park and East Grand Rapids.
We also bring heating and air service, repair and installation to Lansing communities such as Okemos, Williamston, Holt, Dewitt, Haslett, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte and Grand Ledge.