Air conditioners are an important part of keeping your home comfortable. These machines are complex, but not all of their maintenance needs to be handled by a professional. In this blog, we discuss five DIY maintenance items that homeowners can handle on their own.

1. Replace Your Air Filter every Month

Some HVAC systems have cleanable filters that require monthly replacement. Replaceable filters should also be on an every month replacement schedule. The clearer your HVAC system filter, the easier the system runs; and that can save you money. 

2. Check Your Home for Air Leaks

Homes that are not air-sealed are not very energy efficient. You pay to let all of that nice cold air from your air conditioner escape into the great outdoors. That is like throwing money into the wind. Sealing your home is something you can do. Make sure windows have a tight seal, doors have a tight seal and that your attic has the proper amount of insulation. Seals should be supple, not brittle, and leave no gaps around doors and windows. You can purchase new seals at your local hardware store if yours have seen better days.

3. Clean around Your HVAC Unit

If your HVAC unit is outside, clean up around it on a regular basis. Pollen, leaves, and other debris get sucked into the condenser where they cause a blockage. If your condenser cannot draw in enough air, it struggles to keep your house cool. 

4. Inspect the Condensers Drain Tube

Debris and even algae can cause the drain tube on the condenser to become blocked. If that happens then, condensation cannot drain, and it begins to pool inside the unit where it can cause rust damage and need for serious A/C repair. Use a small stiff wire or brush to clean out any debris from the tube. 

5. Inspect the Coils for Debris

Every season of the year presents a challenge for HVAC units. In the winter, snow, rain, and wind can cause leaves and dirt to become lodged in the coils. In spring, pollen and other airborne grit can also add to the debris in the coils. Summer, when you need your HVAC the most, it runs poorly or breaks down because of the extra strain on the unit from the dirty coils. The last thing you want is to disrupt the heating and cooling your HVAC provides. 

These five items are easy chores for the average homeowner. They help keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency, and that adds years to the life of your unit. If you would rather have someone else do these chores for you, our professionals are happy to help with routine maintenance.