When it comes to HVAC-related questions, one of the most common ones is: how often do I need to have my air conditioner serviced? And while the answer is simple (about two times a year should be fine), it’s worth taking a deeper dive into understanding exactly the best ways for you to keep your air conditioning system running in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Here, we’ll discuss a few things you can do to ensure your AC system is operating smoothly, is clean and free of bacterial or mold smells, and does not cause you any fuss.
General Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
Change your filter
Regularly changing your HVAC filter is without a doubt one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform as the homeowner, as well as being an effective way to keep your AC running properly. Your air conditioner is taking in all of the varieties of dirt, dust, and debris that are floating around in the air when the system is in use. So, in order to prevent that from getting into your HVAC system, a filter is used.
Generally, it is considered wise to change this filter every three months, and if you’re a pet owner, it should be done more frequently than that. Pet hair and dander do a number of air filters and cause them to become unusable much faster. Letting your filter go longer without being replaced can reduce the effectiveness of the filter, allowing all sorts of gross stuff to get into your ventilation system which can lead to problems with mold and bacterial growth.
Pour Vinegar Down your Condensate Drain
It is a good idea to pour about a quarter to half cup of plain white vinegar down your condensate drain monthly to keep it clean and free of the nasties. When your air conditioning is running at full blast, for example on a hot summer’s day, this drain will pull a lot of moisture from the air and dispose of it. But, when your air conditioning stops running so often, the moisture can accumulate, which can cause a build-up of molds, mildew, algae, and bacteria. A vinegar rinse greatly reduces the chance of this happening.
Keep the Condenser and the Area Around it Tidy
With a central air HVAC system, the condenser is going to be placed outside of your home. You’re going to want to make sure the unit and the area around it stay free of debris. An old branch that fell off of that willow tree you love so much can cause your condenser to jam and have a multitude of problems. This can be a serious issue that will wreak havoc on the condenser itself, as well as your wallet. It is also advised to keep a five-foot space around all sides of the condenser to lessen the chance of this happening.
What if I Don’t Want to Deal With All of That?
Lucky for you, we at Bucks County Fuel have air conditioning maintenance and service plans to take all of the nuisances off of your hands. Our professionals work hard to make sure you can enjoy comfortable temperatures year-round.
