Probably the most expensive appliance you’ll ever purchase for your San Marcos home is your air conditioner. Not only is it the most expensive to purchase, but it’s probably the most expensive to operate daily. So with the thought of all those dollars you’re sinking into making your home a comfortable place to live in the summer, here are 4 tips to keep your air conditioning running in tip-top condition and economically efficient.
1. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your furnace and air conditioner running at it’s most efficient… Change your filter monthly. When your system is used, large particulates are trapped in the filter. These large particulates of mold, animal dander and pollen can choke off the air supply to your system and make it work harder to get the air that it needs to operate. That translates into more money you’ll need to pay for your power bill.
2. Do a quick system check.
- Make sure your outside air conditioner unit is free of dirt and debris.
- Keep all your air vents open just a bit. By closing off a vent completely, you can cause duct work issues.
- Vacuum your ducts and vents once a year.
- Check the drain pan and lines for any issues. These can become plugged and will cause water damage that your homeowners insurance may not cover.
3. Keep your outdoor condenser and evaporator coils clean. Dirty coils will increase your energy consumption. Dirty coils are one of the most common causes of air conditioning system failure and costly repairs.
4. Once a year schedule an air conditioning tune-up/maintenance with a HVAC professional. They will inspect your system, tighten up any loose connections, check drain lines for clogs and corrosion, clean your coils and get rid of any dirt and debris that maybe affecting your systems performance. They will change your filters for you and will even teach you how to change your filters yourself.
The best time to schedule your annual air conditioner inspection/maintenance is in the Spring before it gets hot. HVAC technicians aren’t busy, and they’ll give you the attention you deserve. Call John Stevenson HVAC at (760) 918-0456 to schedule your appointment today.
