Keeping your air conditioning unit in good working order is important for staying comfortable during the summer months. By following a few simple AC maintenance tips, you can help keep your AC running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are three tips to get you started!
1. Clean the Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from your AC system. Over time, this unit can become dirty and clogged with dust and debris. To keep your AC running efficiently, be sure to clean the condenser unit regularly. This can be done by spraying it down with a garden hose or using a vacuum cleaner to remove any built-up dirt and dust.
2. Check the Freon Levels
If your AC isn’t cooling properly, one of the first things you should check is the freon levels. Low levels of freon can cause your AC system to work harder than necessary, leading to decreased performance and higher energy bills. You can check the freon levels yourself using a freon gauge, or you can have a professional technician do it for you.
3. Replace the Filter
One of the simplest and most important things you can do to keep your AC running smoothly is to replace the air filter on a regular basis. A dirty air filter can impede airflow and cause your AC system to work harder than necessary. Filters should be replaced every three to six months, depending on the type of filter and the amount of use it receives.
4. Get a Tune-Up
A professional tune-up can help keep your AC running smoothly all summer long. During a tune-up, a technician will inspect your AC system for any potential problems and make any necessary repairs. This is a good preventive measure to take before the hot summer months arrive.
5. Monitor the Electric Bills
Keep an eye on your electric bills in the summer months, especially if you have an AC unit. If your bills are noticeably higher than normal, it may be a sign that your AC unit is not working properly and needs to be serviced.
6. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on your schedule. For example, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature at night or when you’re not home. This can help you conserve energy and save money on your cooling costs.
7. Install a Sun Shade
If you have a south-facing window, installing a sun shade can help keep the sun from overheating your home and causing your AC unit to work harder than necessary. Sun shades are inexpensive and easy to install, and they can help you save money on your energy bills in the summer months.
8. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, which can help reduce the amount of time your AC unit needs to run. Fans should be positioned so that they blow air down on the people in the room and not up into the ceiling.
9. Take Advantage of Shade Trees
If you have some trees nearby, take advantage of their shade by positioning your outdoor seating areas under them. This can help keep your outdoor spaces cooler during the summer months.
10. Close the Blinds and Curtains
In the summer months, it’s a good idea to close the blinds and curtains on your windows to keep the sun from heating up your home. This will help keep the indoor temperature down and prevent your AC unit from working harder than necessary.
11. Plant a Shade Tree
If you don’t have any nearby trees, consider planting a shade tree. A well-placed shade tree can help keep your home cooler in the summer months and reduce the amount of time your AC unit needs to run.
12. Use an Evaporative Cooler
An evaporative cooler is a great alternative to an AC unit for people who live in hot, dry climates. Evaporative coolers use water to cool the air, which can help save energy and money on your cooling costs.
13. Install a Swamp Cooler
A swamp cooler is another alternative to an AC unit for people who live in hot, dry climates. Swamp coolers work by blowing moist air over a wet pad, which causes the air to cool down. Swamp coolers are less expensive to operate than AC units, and they can help you save money on your cooling costs.
14. Buy a Window Unit
If you don’t have central air conditioning, you may want to consider buying a window unit. Window units are less expensive to purchase and install than central air units, and they can help you cool down your home in the summer months.
15. Plant a Vegetable Garden
Planting a vegetable garden is a great way to keep your home cooler in the summer months. Vegetables naturally release water vapor into the air, which can help cool down the surrounding area. A vegetable garden also provides shade and uses photosynthesis to produce oxygen, which can help reduce the amount of time your AC unit needs to run.
16. Use a Fan
A fan can help keep you cool in the summer months by circulating cool air throughout your home. Fans should be positioned so that they blow air down on the people in the room and not up into the ceiling.
17. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking lots of water can help keep you cool in the summer months. Water helps to regulate your body temperature, and it can also help flush out the toxins that cause you to feel hot and sweaty.
18. Wear Light Clothing
Wearing light clothing can help keep you cool in the summer months. Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect it. So, by wearing light clothing, you can help keep the heat from absorbing into your body.
19. Take a Cold Shower
Taking a cold shower can also help keep you cool in the summer months. The cold water will help to regulate your body temperature and it will also help to flush out the toxins that cause you to feel hot and sweaty.
20. Stay Indoors
If it’s too hot outside, stay indoors where it’s cooler. The air conditioning in most buildings is able to cool down the indoor temperature significantly, which can be a relief on a hot day.
