Did you know that the steps you take as a homeowner to care for your air conditioner are what makes the most difference in how well your unit works and how long it lasts? It’s true that professional maintenance is important too, but consistent care month after month will go a long way toward helping your AC unit enjoy a long and healthy life.
Keep reading to learn more about our recommendations for homeowner AC maintenance. Then give our team a call for your professional air conditioner maintenance in Mundelein if you haven’t already scheduled it this year.
Filter Care
The next time you go shopping for an AC air filter, pay attention to the MERV rating on the packaging. We usually recommend an air filter with a MERV rating somewhere between eight and 13. You can read the labels to find out what types of particles each filter is rated to remove from the air and make your decision from there.
Keep in mind that an air filter with a rating lower than eight may not improve your indoor air quality enough. An air filter with a significantly higher rating may be too strong and will block airflow from entering your air conditioner. Without enough airflow into the system, your AC will face additional strain and may not work as well.
Once you’ve selected a high-quality air filter, be sure to write the date on the side before putting it in place. Doing this will serve as a reminder of when you placed the air filter so that you’ll know exactly when it needs to be changed out again. Then, set some kind of alert or mark the date on your calendar so you remember when to change out the air filter again. Most air filters are rated to last for somewhere between one and three months.
Leak Prevention
Your next step is to help prevent water from leaking out of your central air conditioner. You can do this by rinsing out the condensate drain line once a month with vinegar. If you open the closet door where your central AC is located, you’ll see a small pipe sticking up.
Remove the cap on this pipe and pour the vinegar into this line. Completing this step regularly helps to prevent clogs from developing in the line. Otherwise, dust and mold can contribute to clogs that allow water to back up in the line and spill out into your home. You may face mold growth, water damage, and higher humidity levels as a result.
Airflow Optimization
You’re already taking steps to maximize airflow by changing out the air filter regularly. Your next steps are to ensure that all of the vents around your home are open. It could be tempting to close off certain vents in an attempt to usher airflow into another area of your home.
However, we advise against closing any of the vents. If you’re having issues with some areas of your home being too warm or to cool, let us help you address that instead. Closing off vents can leave cool air trapped in the ductwork instead of allowing it to blow out into your home.
Your last step is to rinse off the outdoor portion of your unit each month. Just set your water hose to a gentle pressure and rinse away any dirt and debris that have built up. This is especially important if it hasn’t rained in your area in a while. Rain can often help to clean your outdoor unit, while a lack of rain can leave your unit clogged with dirt that is blocking heat from escaping.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!