Top 10 Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

Proper care of your air conditioning system is paramount for its ease of operation and longevity. Regular servicing can save money on repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home cool during the hottest months. For those seeking assistance, consider optimum air conditioning services in London. In this article, let’s discuss the best 10 air conditioning maintenance tips for homeowners that benefit your AC system.

Enjoy a relaxed and comfortable home any time of the year! For more information about JP Air Conditioning services, please call 02083331191 to schedule an appointment for your air conditioning maintenance or repair.

Key Practices For Optimal Air Conditioning Performance

1. Change Or Clean Air Filters Regularly

Changing or washing the air conditioning unit filters is the easiest yet most important maintenance practice. A dirty filter restricts the flow of air, resulting in excessive strain on the AC, which consequently leads to higher electricity bills and may even damage the system.

This raises the question: Do air conditioning units require regular maintenance? Generally, the filters should be cleaned or replaced at least once every 1 to 3 months, depending on the filter used and the usage of the system.

2. Keep The Outdoor Unit Clear Of Debris

The outdoor AC condenser unit is essential to your air conditioning system. It draws air from outside, cools it down and distributes it in your house. Over time, the unit may become surrounded by outside elements such as leaves, grass, dirt and the like, causing blockage and less efficient working.

Remember to inspect your outdoor unit frequently and remove any debris that you may find. This will help ensure the system can function adequately with adequate air circulation since the unit will work optimally.

3. Clean The Coils

Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils tend to accumulate dirt. A coat of dirt on the coils hampers their heat absorption and, thus, reduces the unit’s efficiency. Cleaning the coils regularly will enhance energy efficiency and proper operation of the unit.

How To Clean The Coils

• Attach a hose for the outdoor unit and promptly rinse the dirt and debris.
• For the internal unit, the coils can be cleaned using a soft brush or a coil cleaner from a nearby hardware shop.

4. Check And Clean The Condensate Drain

When cooling the house, the air conditioning unit also helps eliminate heat and excess moisture in the air. This moisture is pumped out through a condensate line that sometimes gets blocked with dirt or algae. As a result of a clogged condensate drain, there might be water overflow, leading to possible water damage and increased humidity levels within a room.

To avoid these situations, one should clean the condensate drain from time to time to prevent the build-up of such clogs.

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance Annually

Although you can perform several DIY tasks to help keep your air conditioning unit running in good condition, remember to arrange for a professional air conditioning maintenance service in London to come and service your unit at least once every year. This technician will thoroughly assess the entire system, look for possible problems, and clean areas that are difficult to access.

Yearly servicing can help avoid sudden failures, increase the lifespan of your unit, and help reduce energy expenditures. Following essential AC unit maintenance tips ensures your system runs efficiently and remains in top condition throughout the year.

6. Inspect And Seal Ductwork

Your home air conditioning system uses ducting to connect the indoor units to the outdoor unit, providing cool air. However, the ducting can develop issues, such as leaks that let cool air escape, reducing efficiency. These leaks can lead to higher energy bills and uneven room cooling.

To spot problems, look for signs like varying room temperatures or visible leaks in the ducts. Duct-sealing compounds or metal tape can help fix small gaps if you notice any issues. For more significant problems, it’s best to call an expert to assess and repair the ducting.

7. Test The Thermostat

Most people take their thermostats for granted, but the truth is that thermostats control the air conditioning system. If your thermostat is broken, this can lead to your air conditioner also working at a higher energy level than usual to cool the house, increasing costs. It is essential to check your thermostat is functional routinely and that the values settings are correct.

8. Check The Refrigerant Levels

Air conditioning systems utilise a refrigerant to chill air. However, when refrigerant levels are low, the unit will find it difficult to cool the house, resulting in high energy costs and inefficiency. Also, low refrigerant levels might point towards a leak; hence, urgent attention by a professional would be needed.

9. Inspect And Replace Fan Blades If Necessary

The fan blades located within the indoor and outdoor units help move air throughout the system. However, these blades can bend, get damaged, or become loose as time goes by. All these will make the unit strain and cause weird sounds.

While examining the outdoor unit, it is essential to look at the fan blades and see if there is any wear and tear or damage.

10. Ensure Proper Insulation Around The Unit

Effective insulation aids in retaining the cool air within your house, reducing the workload of the air conditioning unit. It is important to check the insulation outside your air conditioning unit, especially on the refrigerant lines and air ducts. Insulation material can prevent energy wastage and impaired cooling effectiveness.

Insulating the exposed refrigerant lines with foam pipe insulation is also advisable for outside units. This straightforward process can enhance your air conditioner and reduce energy loss.

Conclusion

To optimise the comfort level inside a house or an office, it is essential to contact a professional to maintain the air conditioning (AC) appliance regularly. Adhere to the following ten basic recommendations, and you will avert failures, maximise economy, and keep your house enjoyable throughout the seasons.

Are you looking for expert air conditioning solutions? Contact our team on 02083331191 or email at info@jpaircon.com for a free consultation and personalised advice.