Can you imagine a scorching hot day here in Old Bridge without air conditioning? During those dog days of summer, your air conditioning system can be your very best friend.
Be sure you take the time to perform basic maintenance regularly, as well as invest in a professional AC tune-up at least once a year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), good maintenance can save money and reduce your energy usage.
Here’s a comprehensive air conditioning maintenance checklist, courtesy of our professionals at HOME, to help keep your system in excellent working order.
Check Air Circulation
Perhaps the most important thing to be sure you have around your air conditioner is plenty of space for good air circulation. Most air conditioners have a unit that sits outside your home.
It’s a good idea to inspect this area to be sure leaves, sticks, and other yard debris are cleared every spring. Once the summer gets into full swing, don’t forget to mow and use a weed whacker around your unit as well.
Change Filters
Being sure you regularly change your air filters accomplishes the same goal of ensuring good airflow. If you have a clogged filter, it can take your air conditioning system more effort to move the air throughout the unit, wearing down parts prematurely.
Replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can lower your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Pay attention to the recommended life of your filters and change them on time.
Uses Your Senses
General awareness of how your air conditioning system should sound and look can be a simple thing for you to have. If you notice something doesn’t look quite right, or your air conditioner is suddenly making unusual sounds or emitting strange odors, it can signal a need for air conditioning repair or maintenance.
Check Coolant Levels
Although the first three items on the checklist are easy for just about any New Jersey homeowner to do, the remainder of these items may take a bit more experience. If you are uncomfortable with any of these additional maintenance tasks, be sure to call in one of our Delco Heating & Cooling professionals to help.
The refrigerant or coolant must be at a specific level and pressure to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. You’ll want to periodically check this level, and if your coolant is low, you’ll need to call in one of our professionals to refill your system.
In addition, leaking coolant can be a significant problem for the environment, so address any noticeable leaks immediately.
Look for Ice Buildup
If you notice your air conditioning evaporator coil has ice building up on it, you probably have an airflow problem. Double-check to be sure your filter and air ducts are clean.
If you have a great deal of ice, you may need to shut off your system, defrost all of it, ensure air circulation is fine, and then turn it back on. If the problem continues, it’s a good idea to call one of our professionals to conduct an inspection.
Inspect Connections
Be sure all the electrical connections, as well as ductwork and other tubing within the system, look tight and secure. Again, this may take experience to understand what a solid system should look like, and you may want to rely on a professional inspection once a year.
Most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies will provide a comprehensive service of cleaning and inspection for a reasonable fee. Relying on certified, trained technicians can be an excellent investment in your air conditioning system. Call our Delco Heating & Cooling team with any questions you may have.
Check Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working properly, it will not send the correct information to your air conditioner.
As a result, your system can’t work properly. In addition, if a broken thermostat causes your system to cycle on and off too frequently, it can cause longer-term damage to your entire air conditioning system.
Contact Us for All Your Air Conditioning Needs
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your air conditioning system inspected, call Delco Heating & Cooling in Old Bridge, NJ. Our trained experts would be happy to come out and provide a thorough cleaning and inspection to help keep your air conditioner running efficiently throughout the summer. Call us at (732) 360-6201 or request service online today.
