Tips on Maintaining the Quality of Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning in Atlanta is vital, so it's important for you to take care of your system to make sure it can keep up with the demand. There are maintenance steps you can take by yourself as well as services a professional can provide to keep your AC in good condition as well as identify any necessary repairs while they're still minor. This can help keep your air conditioning system in Atlanta running efficiently and help extend its lifespan as well. Here are some things you should know.

Filter Replacement

Most homeowners know that they need to replace the HVAC filter regularly. However, it's a common household maintenance task that's easily overlooked. This is because most people don't notice a difference in how the AC runs or how clean the air is when the filter needs to be changed. The best way to ensure regular filter replacement is by writing it on a calendar or putting a reminder in a phone. Changing the filter helps the AC run more efficiently and reduces the wear and tear on the AC's components because it won't have to work as hard to keep the air running through the cooling system.

Drain Check

A common problem an AC faces is a clogged condensate drain line. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix, especially if you recognize a clogged drain before it becomes a bigger problem that can cause water damage in your home. Check the drain pan periodically for standing water. Standing water often means a clogged line. Locate the drain line that runs from the inside air handler to the outside and use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out the clog for up to a minute. You can improve suction by duct taping around the vacuum and drain.

Condenser Care

The outdoor condenser should also be maintained. Make sure debris and foliage are regularly cleared away from the outdoor unit so that the air can flow freely. You'll be able to see if the outdoor fins and coils are dirty and need to be cleaned.

Coils

Coils are located on the outside and inside parts of the AC system, and both should be cleaned regularly for maximum performance. Accumulated dirt not only prevents the air from flowing freely, but the dirt can actually insulate the coils, making it difficult for them to absorb heat. Although you may be tempted to try cleaning the coils yourself, it's always best to have a professional clean them because they're a vital component of your cooling system and mishandling them can be costly and prevent your system from working properly. A professional removes the coils, acid washes them, and then has to install them back into the unit.

Professional Tune-Up

Finally, be sure to have your system regularly tuned up and inspected by an HVAC professional. This can identify problems before they become worse and help your system run more efficiently.