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Now that autumn’s vivid colors are starting to fill the landscape, it’s time to focus on getting our houses ready for the new season. Giving your air conditioner some autumnal care is just as important as giving your heating system some attention, as many homeowners tend to do.
At Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation in Sacramento, CA, we can help you make sure that your AC remains in top condition, ready to handle any unexpected temperature swings, and set the stage for a smooth transition into winter. Read on to learn our top eight tips to keep your HVAC unit ready for fall weather.
1. Inspect and Clean the Air Filter for Optimal Efficiency
One of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioner operating at peak efficiency is to check and clean your air filter. Filters gather dust, debris, and other particles over time, which can impede airflow and put stress on your system.
Find the filter first, typically located in the blower compartment or the return air duct. Carefully remove it and check for obvious damage or dirt. If it’s still in good condition but dirty, clean it as the manufacturer directs. Reusable filters can be cleaned with water or a light detergent and then completely dried before being reinstalled. Replace the filter with a new one if it is too damaged or clogged. To keep your air conditioner operating efficiently, try to check the filter every one to three months, especially during periods of high usage.
2. Check and Clear Condenser Coils to Prevent Blockages
It is important to check and clean your condenser coils regularly to keep your air conditioner working well and avoid problems. The outdoor unit’s condenser coils are in charge of discharging the heat that has been absorbed from your house. These coils may fill with dirt, leaves, and other debris over time, preventing heat transfer and making your system work harder.
Turn off the power to the unit first to make sure it is safe to check the coils. Gently clear away any debris that is visible from the area surrounding the coils, and then clean the coil fins with a soft brush or a vacuum that has a brush attachment. If you use a coil cleaner—which you can get at most hardware stores—you can clean it more thoroughly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure the coils are totally dry after cleaning before resuming the power. The lifespan of your air conditioning system will be extended, performance will be maintained at its best, and energy efficiency will be improved with routine condenser coil inspection and cleaning—ideally done at least once a year.
3. Ensure Proper Insulation of Refrigerant Lines
Making sure that your refrigerant lines are properly insulated is a key part of keeping your air conditioner running well and efficiently. Insulation is usually put over the refrigerant lines that carry the coolant between the indoor and outdoor units. This keeps heat from moving through the lines as the coolant moves. If this insulation gets damaged, worn out, or degrades, it can cause the system to use more energy and work less efficiently.
To check the insulation, look at the lines to see if they have any cracks, tears, or peeling. Right away, replace or fix any broken insulation. You can use either foam pipe insulation or insulation tape made just for HVAC systems.
4. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks and Seal All Gaps
To keep your HVAC system working well, check the ductwork for possible leaks. If your ducts are leaky, conditioned air can escape before it can reach your living spaces, which wastes a lot of energy. This makes your energy bills go up and can also make your home less comfortable overall by making the temperatures uneven.
To check your ductwork, look at the parts you can see. Look for holes, loose connections, or sections that aren’t connected. Check places that are hard to get to, like behind walls, attics, and crawl spaces, with a flashlight. Use duct mastic, metal tape, or duct sealant to close any holes or leaks.
5. Clear Debris to Improve Airflow Around the Outdoor Unit
Cleaning up the area around your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is important for keeping the air flowing well and making sure the system works well. The outdoor unit, also called the condenser unit, needs a free flow of air to get rid of the heat it takes in from your home. If things like grass, leaves, branches, or dirt build up around the unit, they can block airflow, make the system overheat, and work harder to cool your home. This not only wastes energy but could also cause damage and increase energy costs.
To keep everyone safe, turn off the power to the unit before you start cleaning it. Get rid of any trash that you can see in the area, and then carefully brush or vacuum the outside fins of the unit to get rid of dirt. Also, keep the area around the unit clean and free of anything that could get in the way. Try to do this maintenance at least once a season or more often if you live in an area with a lot of debris.
6. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up to Address Issues
To make sure your air conditioner stays in good shape, you should have a professional tune-up done on it regularly. A qualified technician does a full inspection and maintenance check during a tune-up. They look for and fix any problems before they get worse. The technician will clean the important parts, check the level of the refrigerant, look over the electrical connections, and make sure everything works right.
This thorough service helps to make the system work better, clean the air inside, and keep it from breaking down when you least expect it. Getting your HVAC system tuned regularly, ideally once a year, can also make it last longer and keep running smoothly all year.
7. Test Thermostat Accuracy and Calibrate if Needed
Testing and calibrating your thermostat regularly are important to keep it working properly and save energy. First, check the reading on the thermostat against a different, more accurate thermometer you put in the same room. If there is a difference, you might need to reset your thermostat’s settings.
To change the thermostat’s settings, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or call a professional. If you calibrate your HVAC system correctly, it will work efficiently, saving you money on energy costs and keeping your whole house at a comfortable temperature.
8. Monitor System Performance and Check for Unusual Sounds
To find problems early, you must monitor your HVAC system’s performance and listen for strange sounds. Listen for any strange sounds, like banging, squealing, or rattling. This could mean something is wrong, like a motor not working right or loose parts. Keep an eye on how the system works regularly, paying attention to how it responds to changes in temperature and how well it works overall.
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With the fall season, it will be beneficial to take the time to complete these basic air conditioner maintenance tasks in the long run. Important parts like the air filter, condenser coils, and ducting can be inspected and fixed to guarantee your air conditioner runs more smoothly and lasts longer. Frequent maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and guards against unplanned malfunctions, sparing you money on future expensive repairs. These fall maintenance suggestions will enable you to keep your house organized and comfortable all year.
