3 Essential Maintenance Steps For Residential AC Units

Your AC unit is a key component during the hotter months, as it's what brings in cool air. To ensure that it works correctly and efficiently for years to come, you'll want to take these maintenance steps. They could save you a fortune and will keep your family comfortable.

Clean the Fins 

To keep AC units from overheating and working inefficiently, you need to keep the fins on the outside unit clean. First, you'll need to shut off the power to the unit. Then, you'll need to remove the fan cage so that you have easy access to the fins.

Make sure you remove dirt and debris inside, and then get a garden hose. Use it to spray the inside of the fans until all of the dirt and debris have been removed. Make sure you don't use a pressure washer for this cleaning task, as it could severely damage your fins. Commercial cleaning agents are available if water from the hose doesn't do the trick.

Make Sure Outside Unit is Level 

After several years, the slab that your condenser unit sits on could start sinking as the ground below starts degrading. This is perfectly natural, but it could make your unit not level anymore. This is disastrous because it prevents refrigerant from properly traveling throughout the condenser.  Then, your condenser won't have lubricant and parts could start wearing down.

That's why it's so important to inspect the condenser unit using a digital level device. It lets you check the level of your unit quickly and delivers accurate readings. If your unit needs some adjustments, you can then use shims. They'll help you bring either side up to the right height for optimal performance.

Keep an Eye on the Air Filter 

One of the most important parts of your AC unit is the air filter, which is designed to keep dirt and dust particles from circulating around your AC system. It can only do its job effectively, however, if it's clean.

You'll want to inspect this air filter every other month. If it's covered in dirt and other debris, it's time for a replacement. If, however, your filter has a reusable design, you'll just need to give it a thorough clean. You can do this by patting it down or wiping both sides with a wet cloth. Just make sure you don't apply too much pressure because you don't want to puncture either side. 

No matter how old or new your AC unit is, you can keep it working at an optimal rate with some simple maintenance steps. The more proactive you are, the less repairs you'll have to deal with over the years.