4 Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that there are air conditioners in more than 100 million U.S. homes. Indeed, almost every household or business has some type of AC unit, but air conditioners are complex machines.

Despite their sleek new designs, only a professional should explore the inner workings of an AC unit. Basic air conditioner maintenance is important, and if you care for your unit in the correct manner, it will last for many years.

At Royal Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning, we are experts in AC and heating units. We have been keeping Las Vegas residents cool and comfortable for many years, and our professional team provides a variety of onsite services for all your heating and cooling requirements.

If you are looking to install or service your air conditioner or heating unit, give us a call at 702-645-3000, and we will send an experienced team member to help you out.

1. Keep It Clean

Basic cleaning will be easier if your air conditioner is a new model. How Stuff Works says key vents and filters are more accessible on modern air conditioners. The report also notes that a professional must handle anything other than routine and basic cleaning. All critical components are sealed for a reason, and these should not be tampered with.

2. Air Conditioner Filters

Energy.gov says that the most vital maintenance task to ensure air conditioner efficiency is to clean or replace filters routinely. Dirty and clogged filters block airflow, and they will reduce the air conditioner’s efficiency. Air that does not run through the filter because of obstructed airflow may transport debris directly to the evaporator coil. This will impair the coil’s heat-absorbing ability.

Replacing a clogged or dirty filter with one that is clean will significantly reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption. There are various filters available. Some filters are reusable while you will have to replace others completely.

Energy.gov recommends cleaning or replacing your filters every four to eight weeks during summer. Filters may also need more regular attention if you use the air conditioner regularly or if it is in a dusty environment.

3. Keeping Air Conditioner Coils Clean

In time, evaporator coils collect dirt. In particular, outdoor condenser coils will get dirty if there is dust or foliage nearby. While only a qualified technician should access these coils to give them a thorough cleaning, it is a good idea to remove debris and dirt that surrounds the unit. Trim back hedges and foliage around outdoor condenser coils by at least 2 feet.

4. Hire a Professional

Contact a professional air conditioner technician to clean and maintain your AC unit effectively. Minor tasks, such as keeping coils free from debris and replacing easily accessible filters, will make a big difference, but do not attempt to service or maintain the inner workings of your unit.

At Royal Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning, we have many years of experience installing and maintaining only the best equipment. If you want to know more about how we can help cool or heat your household or business, give us a call today at 702-645-3000 to learn more about our air conditioning service.