Homeowners Can Maintain Their AC Systems with These Easy Steps
Homeowners don’t give their AC units the credit they deserve until they stop working. A once-comfortable home can turn into a sweaty, sticky hotbed in just minutes. At that point, homeowners often ask themselves: “What went wrong?”
Air conditioning units will show signs of required maintenance before they stop working. Thankfully, homeowners can do many small things to keep everything running smoothly. Some of these AC maintenance tips include:
Periodically Change the Air Filter
EnergyStar notes that, at the very least, homeowners should change their air filters once every three months. Old air filters do more than prevent an air conditioner from working properly; they can also jeopardize the home’s indoor air quality. Air filters have an important job. They prevent dust, hair, and other particles from blowing through the home’s vents. If the air filter gets damaged or dirty, the air conditioner could shut off until the problem is fixed.
Signs that an air filter needs to be replaced include:
- Smells are coming from the air conditioning unit.
- The home’s temperature doesn’t remain constant.
- The air conditioner won’t turn on or shuts off after a few minutes.
- The air filter looks dirty, meaning covered in dust or lint.
Homeowners can usually replace air filters on their own. They simply need to know the filter's dimensions and purchase one from their local hardware store. However, they might also call on an air filter replacement service if they anticipate other problems.
Checking the Thermostat
The thermostat communicates temperature preferences to the air conditioning unit. If it doesn’t work properly, the AC might not know when to turn on or off. It might even stay on for days at a time, wasting energy as it tries to reach an unobtainable temperature.
One can check their thermostat’s functionality by:
- Comparing the reading on the thermostat with the temperature in the home.
- Testing the buttons on the thermostat’s faceplate.
- Experiment with different temperatures and see whether the home reaches that temperature.
- Checking the thermostat’s batteries or power source.
If these measures indicate a problem, a homeowner should try resetting the thermostat. How to do this depends on what system they have.
They should also consider scheduling a maintenance visit with an AC repair technician. They might recommend installing a new thermostat if the device is too old. Thermostats generally last for about ten years before they become obsolete or break.
Scheduling a Maintenance Visit
Homeowners should schedule annual maintenance visits with an air conditioning repair service to learn more about their system’s functionality. These professionals will employ a host of measures to diagnose problems with the AC unit, such as:
- Checking the air filter.
- Checking the AC unit’s circuit breakers.
- Examining any chewed, frayed, or disconnected wires.
- Checking the air vents for any obstructions.
- Checking the outside AC unit.
An air conditioner repair professional may employ additional measures to those listed here.
About Mid Florida A/C
Floridians need one thing to survive in the Sunshine State: air conditioning. DeBary, FL residents know they can turn to Mid Florida A/C for their home improvement needs. Serving their community since 1980, they offer extended warranties and personalized service. Call them today for air conditioning service in DeBary, FL.
