At least once a year, you should tune up your air conditioner. An AC tune-up will help keep it in good working order and ensure that it operates as effectively as possible.
#1: Change the Filter
At the start of the year, you should change out the filter on your air conditioning unit, even if it is one that you can clean. However, you should only clean the filter so many times before you should replace it. Once you change the filter, you will want to stick to a schedule for cleaning the filter at least once a month when you are actively using the filter.
#2: Clean off the Outside Unit
Next, you are going to want to clean off the outside unit. You can do this by taking your vacuum cleaner and using the soft bristle brush attachment on it to clean the fins of your AC unit. Again, just vacuuming the outside of the unit will help clean it up and allow it to operate a little more effectively.
#3: Check the Fins
After you clean the outside unit, you will want to check the positions of the fins. If any of the fins are out of alignment, you will want to straighten them out. You can do this by applying just a little pressure with a dinner knife or a fin straightening tool. Don't apply that much pressure, or you will further damage the fins.
#4: Check the Concrete Pad
You are going to want to ensure the concrete pad is working correctly. Over time, the concrete pad may sink. If the concrete pad is sinking, that can put a strain on the cooper coolant tubes and the electrical lines that connect to your air conditioner. If you notice that the concrete pad is starting to sink, you will want to get the concrete pad fixed so that it doesn't strain your air conditioning unit.
#5: Upgrade Your Thermostat
Next, if you don't have a programmable thermostat, you will want to take steps to upgrade your thermostat. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat will allow you greater control over your air conditioner system. With better programming, you will put less stress on your air conditioning unit, and you will be able to get better performance from your air conditioner.
You do not have to tune up your air conditioning system on your own. Instead, you can hire an HVAC contractor to tune up your air conditioner, and they will do an even more in-depth tune-up on your unit and ensure that all the parts of your unit are ready to work and cool down your home.
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