What Are the Most Common Air Conditioner Maintenance Requirements?

As the weather gets warmer, many people will be firing up their air conditioners for the first time in months. Before you do, it’s important to make sure your AC is in good working order. In this article, we’ll share the most common air conditioner maintenance requirements. Keep reading to learn more!

Keep the area around the unit clear.

One of the most common air conditioner maintenance requirements is to keep the area around the unit clear. This means that nothing should be blocking the flow of air to and from the unit. This includes plants, furniture, or any other objects. Blocking the airflow can cause the unit to work harder than necessary and may reduce its lifespan. As part of your annual maintenance, you need to trim shrubs and bushes away from the outdoor unit.

Inspect the refrigerant lines for leaks and damage.

Refrigerant lines are responsible for transferring refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser and then to the evaporator. They must be inspected for leaks and damage as these can cause your air conditioner to work less efficiently or not at all. If you have a leak, it will need to be fixed in order for your air conditioner to function correctly. Damage can occur when something falls onto the lines, or they are hit with something sharp. If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional HVAC technician.

Tighten all electrical connections.

Air conditioners are susceptible to power outages and voltage drops, so it is important to keep all electrical connections tight. This will ensure that the air conditioner receives the correct amount of power and operates at peak performance. Loose connections can also create a fire hazard, so it is important to check these connections periodically and tighten them as needed.

Change the air filter regularly.

One of the most common AC maintenance requirements is to change the air filter regularly. This helps keep your system running smoothly and can improve energy efficiency. Most experts agree that your air filters need to be replaced at least every three months, but you may need more frequent changes if you have pets or excess dust and pollen. A dirty air filter will cause your system to work harder and put a strain on your AC equipment. Additionally, a clogged filter will allow dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens to circulate in your home and decrease your indoor air quality. Change your air filter frequently for the health of your AC system and your air quality.

Vacuum the coils on the air conditioner.

The coils on an air conditioner need to be cleaned regularly in order to function properly and keep your home cool. Dirt and debris can build up on the coils and block the airflow, which will cause the unit to work harder and run less efficiently. You should vacuum the coils on your air conditioner twice a year – once in the spring before it starts cooling off again and once in the fall after it’s been turned off for the season.

Oil the fan motor if necessary.

One of the most common air conditioner maintenance requirements is to oil the fan motor if necessary. This means adding a lubricant to the moving parts of the fan motor in order to reduce friction and heat. If the fan motor starts to sound noisy or vibrate, it may be because it needs oiling. You can usually do this yourself by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Get seasonal air conditioner maintenance.

One of the most important things you can do for your AC system is to have it inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC technician on a regular basis. By having your HVAC system serviced and maintained on a seasonal basis, you can help ensure that it runs at its peak performance, keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills low. A professional HVAC technician can help you with all of the tasks discussed and can inspect and clean your AC components further.

Overall, air conditioner maintenance is very important to ensure that your system is running properly and keeping you and your family cool and comfortable. Some of the most common maintenance requirements include changing the filter, cleaning the coils, and checking the refrigerant levels. Having a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your equipment annually is the best way to ensure that everything is working properly.