So – you’ve just moved into a new home or recently replaced your AC unit and are wondering how you to keep all your items in tip top shape? Well, to be completely honest, one question that often never gets asked is how to maintain an air conditioner to keep the system from breaking down or even worse, needing replacement. However, if you live in a hot and dry area like Arizona, this question is one that not only should be asked by any responsible home owner, but also have a solution and plan in place to ensure the AC System doesn’t go on the frits when you can least afford it.
Important Things You Should Do To Learn How To Maintain An Air Conditioner In Scottsdale Arizona
Step #1 – Find Out What Type Of HVAC System You Have
The first thing any home owner should know is what type and manufacture of major appliances they have that operate the major systems of their home. This includes important appliances such as:
- Refrigerators & Freezers
- HVAC System (air conditioning and heating systems)
- Washers & Dryers
- Hot Water Heaters
The HVAC System includes both the heater and AC unit, and in most newer-built homes, this unit is the same system that controls both heats in winter and cool air during the hot seasons. It’s very important that you either ask the builder or previous owner if they have an owner manual, and when the last inspection of the system was completed before you close on the home.
Step #2 – Schedule An Initial Inspection Of Your Air Conditioner
If you’ve moved into a brand new home, this might not be an important step. However, if you’re living in an older home, the first thing you should do is hire a reliable AC repair & service expert come to your home and inspect the AC unit completely. During the inspection, make sure they check the following:
- Check the refrigerant levels & recharge the system if needed
- Check for any refrigerant leaks and repair them if found
- Inspect and clean the condensing unit coils and check the air flow over these cooling coils
- Inspect, clean and make sure the motor is well lubricated
- Inspect, clean and make any repairs to the compressor components, electrical components and controls (including the thermostat)
This inspection will verify that your system is in top condition and should significantly reduce the chance of your AC unit breaking down during the summer conditions in Scottsdale. However, this is only one part of the program to learn how to maintain an air conditioning unit.
Step #3 – Replace Air Duct Filters Every Month & Schedule Annual Inspection
After you’ve had your system checked and inspected, the best thing you can do to significantly reduce your AC unit from breaking down is to replace your air duct filters every month. One of the main causes of AC units not working properly are dirty filters that not only pump dirty and potentially harmful air into your house, but also restrict the air flow and operation of the AC unit. The best and most cost effective way to prevent this type of overload to the air conditioner is to simply replace the HVAC duct work air filters every six months.
You should also set up an annual inspection and hvac tune up of your AC unit to make sure your service repair expert can stay on top of any major issues. If you follow these three simple steps, you’ll know how to maintain an air conditioning unit and reduce the chance of it breaking down.
