Have you been neglecting your home's air conditioning system? Or maybe you recently purchased a home with an AC unit that the previous owner failed to maintain adequately? Whatever the case, ignoring the problem is likely to have some significant downsides. Even if your air conditioner is still working well, a poorly maintained system is more likely to need repairs or even premature replacement.
If you're afraid that your old system might already be on death's door, don't give up yet. Instead, follow these three maintenance tips to help ensure your old air conditioner can keep cooling your home for as long as possible.
1. Clean It Up
No, you don't need to worry about impressing your neighbors, at least not if your only concern is to keep your air conditioning unit functional. However, a clean air conditioner is about more than just aesthetics. When it comes to your outdoor unit (the condenser), there are two primary issues you need to worry about, and they both come down to ensuring adequate airflow.
First, you want to make sure the area around your unit is as clean as possible. Weeds, debris, or other objects can block airflow, reduce efficiency, and cause extra wear. Next, you need to keep the coils clean for the same reasons. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to handle the job, but make sure you take care of this task as soon as possible
2. Look For Obvious Signs of Trouble
If you aren't in the habit of examining your HVAC equipment or haven't lived in your home long, then it's time to take a good, hard look at your condenser. You don't need to be a pro to spot obvious signs of trouble. Check items such as the refrigerant line set, which should contain insulating foam where it meets the outdoor unit. You should also examine the wiring from the condenser to your house.
When looking at these items, check for obvious signs of deterioration. Is the insulation on the line set or wiring cracked, faded, or falling apart? If so, that's an issue you'll want a professional to address. Bent or damaged fins on the condenser coils are another sure sign that there's some room for improvement on your old AC unit.
3. Start Scheduling Maintenance Visits
You can take care of the basics yourself, but you'll want a professional to handle more technical maintenance tasks, such as checking your refrigerant pressure. Scheduling a routine service visit will help resolve any lingering issues and get you back on track with regular maintenance. You should also plan to schedule a routine maintenance visit at least from now on.
Dealing with old HVAC equipment might seem overwhelming, but it only takes a few straightforward steps to get it cleaned up and back in good shape. Taking the time to handle these tasks now is the best way to give your air conditioner several more years of reliable life.
To continue reading more, visit an HVAC contractor website.
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