Nothing beats the relief of walking into a cool home on a sweltering day. But did you know that how you maintain air conditioner performance directly affects both your comfort and your wallet? A neglected AC works harder than it should, leading to higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns.
Beyond comfort, your air conditioner plays a crucial role in indoor air quality. A dirty or neglected unit can invite mold and allergens, impacting your family’s health. But don’t worry! You don’t need to be an HVAC expert to keep your system in top shape. With these practical, homeowner-friendly tips, you can ensure your AC stays efficient, reliable, and ready to tackle the heat.
Table of Contents
-
-
- The two common types of AC units
- 5 Effective Tips to Maintain Air Conditioner
- Tips for taking care of your window AC unit.
- Tips for taking care of your central cooling system.
- Keep Your AC Breathing with a Clean Filter
- Set a Schedule for Smarter Cooling
- Keep Your Compressor and Condenser Clear
- Give Your AC the Care It Needs Every Year
- Just a few more AC efficiency tips.
-
The two common types of AC units
Depending on the size of your home, you’ll likely either have window units to cool individual parts of your home or central cooling that cools throughout your home. A central cooling system has a lifespan between 15-20 years, while a window unit has an average lifespan of 10 years.
The biggest difference is that central cooling requires ductwork to connect components from the inside to outside the home. This is also the more expensive option and is best for large spaces. Window units are cheaper and best for smaller spaces.
5 Effective Tips to Maintain Air Conditioner
Tips for taking care of your window AC unit.
Knowing how to maintain air conditioner is key to keeping your window unit running smoothly. When caring for individual window units, be sure to clean their filters. Most units require you to rinse and dry a removable filter. If you replace the filter before it’s dry, it could collect ice and damage the unit, so if you’re feeling impatient in the summer heat, try using a hair dryer to speed things up.
You may also want to use a cloth or vacuum to check for dirt and debris around the evaporator coils. This is a part of the air conditioner close to the filter and helps with airflow. The better you clean your AC, the less allergens you’ll allow into your home from outside.
Be sure to store your unit horizontally, the same as it would be placed in the window, or else you can damage the compressor. If an air conditioner is stored on its side, it likely won’t work come summertime.
In the end, most common problems – even with a window unit air conditioner – require help from an HVAC expert.
Tips for taking care of your central cooling system.
Most central air conditioners have a split system, which means there will be an indoor coil and an outdoor condenser connected by ducts. Some central air conditioners are actually HVAC units, which stand for “heat, ventilation, and air conditioning.”
For homes with central cooling, as the homeowner, you should be sure to keep foliage away from the outside component of the system so that growth doesn’t clog the grills. You should also check that the ducts in your home are sealed and not letting air escape. You may notice an especially high bill if your ducts are leaking.
You will likely want to have your central air cooling system serviced annually by an expert. The beginning of summer is the best time to maintain the central air conditioner. A maintenance technician will run through maintenance checks, including:
-
-
- Changing filters
- Cleaning coils
- Maintaining the drainage system
- Replacing the refrigerant
-
Keep Your AC Breathing with a Clean Filter
One of the simplest ways to maintain air conditioner efficiency is by keeping the filter clean. A dirty filter forces your AC to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and poor cooling performance.
For central and window units, replace disposable filters monthly during peak cooling months. If your unit has a washable filter, rinse and dry it thoroughly before reinserting. When choosing a new filter, check its MERV (Minimum Efficiency
Set a Schedule for Smarter Cooling
Blasting the AC when no one’s home? That is a surefire way to waste energy and overwork your system. Instead, set a schedule that adjusts cooling based on when you’re home. A programmable thermostat can do this for central AC units, while many modern window units have built-in timers. If yours doesn’t, an external timer is a cheap and easy fix.
Avoid shutting the system off completely unless you’ll be gone for days. Otherwise, your AC will have to work overtime to cool things down later. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable and energy bills low.
Keep Your Compressor and Condenser Clear
Your AC’s compressor and condenser work best when they have room to breathe. These units, usually located outside near your home’s foundation, need at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides. Keeping the area free of shrubs, tall grass, leaves, and branches helps maintain air conditioner efficiency.
If possible, place window units or outdoor condensers on the north or east side of your home. Too much direct sunlight can lower efficiency by up to 10%. If relocating isn’t an option, install a small shade screen to keep your unit cool and running efficiently.
Give Your AC the Care It Needs Every Year
Skipping AC maintenance can lead to costly repairs. To keep your unit running smoothly, schedule an annual service before summer arrives.
A proper tune-up should include:
-
-
- Cleaning filters and coils
- Lubricating motors and bearings
- Inspecting fans and blowers
- Checking refrigerant and pressures
-
Taking care of your AC now means fewer problems and better cooling when you need it most.
Just a few more AC efficiency tips.
Whether you’re caring for a window unit or a central cooling system, setting the thermostat ahead of time can help you save on energy bills. One study found that nearly 90% of Americans rarely program their thermostat. To maintain air conditioner, take the time to review your owner’s manual and set it to turn on when you’re home and off when you’re at work or sleeping.
If you have a home warranty and experience an issue with your home’s cooling, Select Home Warranty is here to shield your wallet. Submit a claim to let us know of an issue with your AC unit.
Don’t have a home warranty? Get your free quote today to find the perfect plan for your needs. For more information, give us a call at 800-670-8931.
